Stephen Emil Whitesides

 Stephen Emil Whitesides, 92, passed away on February 15, 2025. Born to Emil Morris and Ruth Miriam Renstrom Whitesides on July 8, 1932, Stephen was raised in Kaysville, Utah by parents who exhibited love, honesty, and valued practicality. 

Stephen’s birth date was considered by many to be the low point of the Great Depression, yet his life was consistently marked with optimism, opportunity and hope. As a young boy, Stephen developed a lifetime appreciation for classical music and opera by listening to radio broadcasts from his home. Later, while playing trombone in the University of Utah orchestra Stephen met a violinist, Renee Robertson. After graduation, Stephen and Renee were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on December 28, 1954. Throughout their marriage, they demonstrated kindness, courtesy, and trust.

 Stephen spent many years as a teacher and principal in Davis County School District. His career in education spanned 36 years, the majority being spent as an elementary school principal. Stephen also served in the United States Air Force Reserve where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. After leaving the workforce, Stephen embarked on a path of public service where he spent two terms (8 years) on the Kaysville City Council.

 Stephen also found opportunities for service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he whole-heartedly accepted a variety of callings, including as an ordinance worker at the Bountiful Temple. 

 Stephen showed a keen interest in his children and grandchildren and impressed upon them values of gratitude, generosity, and pragmatism. His family loved listening to Stephen’s many entertaining life stories and experiences. He showed uncompromising dedication to his marriage, family, and the Church. He taught by example and precept.

 Stephen met challenges with determination and optimistic resolve. Invariably, there was always a promising path ahead. He exercised unassuming faith in the Savior and others, pressing forward with a perfect brightness of hope. Stephen’s positive influence will continue to enrich and shape the lives of those who were close to him.

 Stephen is survived by his three children, M. Kaye (Dan) Andersen, Robert E. (Michelle) Whitesides, and N. Jean Bradford; 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Stephen was preceded in death by his wife, Renee Robertson Whitesides, and by his sisters Marilyn Whitesides Dalton and Caroline Whitesides Ludlow. He was also preceded in death by a great-grandson, Jackson Tingey.

 The family sincerely thanks medical professionals from Utah Home Health and Hospice and Visiting Angels for their loving and dedicated care of Stephen.

 Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 22, at 11:00 a.m. at the Kaysville Rock Chapel, address 25 S 200 E, Kaysville, UT. A viewing will precede the service from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.

The funeral services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook Page where it will appear 10-15 minutes prior to the service.