Dennis Dean Moody was born in Ogden, Utah on April 18, 1943 weighing a mere 3 ½ pounds along with his twin sister, Venice, to George Keith and Beth Pewtress Moody. He spent his growing up years in Deseret, Utah riding his horse and helping his dad on the farm. Dennis attended Delta High School, and upon graduating, Dennis married his high school sweetheart, Ila Joyce Shields, on June 25, 1962 in Delta, Utah.
They moved to Salt Lake City and he attended Salt Lake Community College for two years. Their marriage resulted in an incredible progeny. Dennis and Joyce had six children: Rick, Ron, Bryce, Deb, Laura, and Brad. They later beautifully solemnized their marriage in the Payson Temple on December 15, 2021.
Dennis and Joyce relocated to Delta, Utah in 1965, where they raised their family. He was the owner and operator of Master Muffler in Delta for 20 years. He not only serviced machinery and vehicles, but often taught others how to service their own machinery or vehicles. He was a volunteer for the Delta Fire Department for close to 10 years. He also farmed and raised cows. He was often quietly found serving others in their time of need. He was proud to be honored with the title of ‘Grand Marshal’ in the 2018 Days of the Old West Rodeo in Delta.
He had the soul of a cowboy. Some of his favorite times were spent on the back of a horse, riding next to his sweetheart and family in the mountains. He lived for deer hunting. He raced desert bikes for a short time. But his favorite times were spent with family. It is no wonder that when his time came to bid farewell to mortality, he waited until all the family that could gather (whether in person or in heart) was gathered around him, united in love.
His love of family was unconditional and he avidly encouraged and supported his children in every one of their endeavors – form sports to music, from church activities to attending marriages, from failures to successes, from hospitals to home. He had an undying love and respect for patriotism and was incredibly proud of those who served their county, including his sons who served in the army. He was the master example of fatherhood through limitless love for each of his children and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses, and great grandchildren.
As more spouses, ‘bonus’ children, grandchildren and great grandchildren increased the number of family members, he showed an abundant amount love and acceptance of all who joined his growing family. He was ‘Grandpa Denni’ to everyone.
On March 23, 2022, Dennis reunited with his siblings: Larry Moody and Venice Bishop; and is survived by his sisters: Elaine Judd and Kathy Shortt. He is also survived by his loving wife: Joyce; his children and their spouses: Rick (Brynn) Moody, Ron (Cindy) Moody, Bryce (Ginger) Moody, Deb (Kelly) Jenkins, Laura (Wege) Schena, Brad (Shannon) Moody; all of their 29 grandchildren and 45 (and counting...) great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 26, at 11:00 am, at the Delta 1st Ward LDS Chapel, 222 West 200 North. Viewings will be held on Friday, 6:00-8:00 pm, at the Nickle Mortuary; and Saturday, 9:30-10:40 am, prior to the service. Friends unable to attend in person are invited to view the recorded video of the Service. The link will be posted with his obituary at www.nicklemortuary.com by Saturday afternoon. Burial will follow at the Deseret Cemetery.