Dennis Ross Godderidge

Farmington- Dennis Ross Godderidge, Age 61, passed away August 12, 2017 with the people he loved, in a place that he loved, doing what he loved.

The second child and oldest boy born to Ross and Elaine Godderidge, Dennis grew up in Smithfield, Utah a place that remained near and dear to his heart throughout his life. Very active in his early years Dennis always had a ball in his hand loving all sports and anything that would keep him in the outdoors. An active child Dennis was always at the doctor’s office receiving several bouts of stitches, in everything from his head to his arm to his tongue. Always enjoying his adventures with his brothers and sisters, which started when they were kids and continued throughout their lives. 

Dennis attended Smithfield Elementary, North Cache Junior High and Skyview High School.  Dennis was involved in several activities, serving in student government and playing Basketball, Tennis, Baseball, running track and Cross Country. Following in his fathers foot-steps he played baseball for the Smithfield Blue Sox in to his mid-twenties.  Following high school Dennis attended Utah State University, playing on the freshman basketball team while pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering.

Marrying his high school sweetheart Lori in the Logan temple. Dennis and Lori were inseparable from the moment they met.  Raising five sons they both dedicated their lives to sacrificing for and focusing on their family. They treasured camping together and spending time in the mountains.  Annual St. George trips with family were something he looked forward to each year.  His trips with Lori to Yellowstone making memories together that will last forever.   

Dennis never sat still and was constantly working.  His jobs included Paperboy, Bagging Groceries, moving pipe and hauling hay at his Uncle Jack’s farm, milk tester and working road construction with his father Ross. Working hard and staying in a trailer with his dad, Dennis talked fondly of his days shoveling gravel, running the crusher and driving the loader. Upon graduation he went to work for Sperry Univac, now L-3 Communications.  He worked as an Electrical Engineer for L-3 for 39 years, involved in several large projects and filing a patent for inventing a microchip during his employment.

Dennis was constantly helping and giving of his time and many talents to help people in need. Never asking or expecting recognition, Dennis spent life helping anyone who needed it. He was a Jack-of-all-trades and there was truly nothing Dennis could not fix or figure out. Frequently fielding calls from neighbors, friends and sons for help, Dennis was always selfless with his time continually willing to be there for anyone needing it. Dennis also served in many callings in the LDS church where he was a High Priest.

Dennis coached and supported his five sons and countless kids, in all sports.  Giving of his time and talents Dennis rarely missed a game making his support of his boys and any team he was coaching his first priority. Dennis didn’t love the competition but he loved the boys and would do anything for anyone of his sons or any player on his teams. After his sons were grown Dennis continued to show up at his grandkids games supporting his grandkids and their teammates.  Always supportive he braved, cold, rain and sweltering summer days, literally attending thousands of games over his lifetime with his wife Lori.

Dennis’ hobbies included running, golfing, playing basketball, camping and hiking around the mountains or fields in search of deer, elk and pheasant. Always a cowboy at heart Dennis enjoyed his infrequent horse rides and frequent horse feedings and maintenance. Always with a dog in the back yard he loved watching his dogs point birds for his sons and grandsons each Thanksgiving.  A hunter all his life Dennis loved hunting with his sons and grandsons and was proficient with a rifle and bow. One of the fastest and most accurate shotgun shooters around he was the brunt of jokes from his sons for taking birds before anyone else could raise their guns.

Dennis was quiet but his actions and life spoke volumes to all who knew him. His dedication to his wife, sons, grandchildren and extended family were paramount in his life. He never wanted fame or recognition and truly had no guile.  Never one to back down from a challenge he lived his life his way until the end. Quietly impacting lives, Dennis never expected and was even embarrassed by any recognition.  Anyone who knew Dennis knew he lived his life for others through his actions. 

Dennis is survived by his wife, Lori, Five Boys: Ryan (Emily),Jeremy (Emily), Gregory (Mindi), Travis (Micall) and Kyle (Carrie). He also leaves behind 13 Grandchildren, Jaxton, Britton, Luke, Kenadee, Jack, Dallas, Cohen, Drew, Harper, Griffin, Piper, Aniston and Lyla.  Brothers; Bruce (Julie), Lynn (April); Sisters; Jackie Thompson, Tara (Ryan) Jensen. Preceeded in death by; Parents Ross and Elaine, Grandson Jett Edison Godderidge; Brother-In-Law Kenneth Thompson; Niece Jennifer Thompson Peterson 

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday August 18th, 2017, at the Farmington Utah North Stake Center, 729 Shepard Ln. Friends and Family may visit Thursday the 17th between 6 and 8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary 1941 N. Main, Farmington, or Friday 9:30 to 10:30, at the Stake Center.  Interment will be at the Farmington City Cemetery.