Parley Steven (Steve) Pentz

Parley Steven Pentz, a true man of grit and grace, passed away on July 12, 2025 at his home in Croydon, Utah. He was 78 years old, but his impact can’t be measured in time. It lives on in every person he helped, and every heart he lifted and will stretch across generations.

Steve was the third of seventeen children born to Jewel Violet Carpenter and Charles Irwin Pentz. He was raised in Lost Creek, Utah. He graduated from Morgan High School where he wrestled and played football - simply because his coach said he would fail him in P.E. if he didn’t. He earned a state title in wrestling and was voted the most “likeable” by his peers. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army.

On January 6, 1967, Steve married his high school sweetheart, Vicky LaNor Barker, from Devil’s Slide, Utah. They were later sealed for eternity in the Ogden Utah temple. Together, Steve and Vicky raised 12 children (seven boys; five girls) on the corner in Croydon, Utah. Steve was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was currently serving as a primary teacher. Steve had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He lived with humility and purpose as he quietly served in his church and community for decades. He had a special place in his heart for all children and felt every child deserved a chance. He was known as the kind man with the CTR rings and trinkets tucked tightly away in his pocket and a magic trick or two ready to share. He had the ability to make people smile and feel important when they needed it most.

Steve’s career consisted of ranch hand for Wilde and Sons; mechanic at The Valley Implement; owner of Penco, Inc.; beekeeper, builder, farmer, operator and writer are just to name a few. He retired from Holcim, Inc. after 45 years where he worked in various capacities with the majority of his time as Holcim’s Control Room Operator. Steve didn’t just show up—he set production records using skill, sharp focus, and an unmatched work ethic to go above and beyond in cement making. He treated work as an art - knowing that doing something well was a reflection of who you were. His coworkers respected him not just for his knowledge, but for the quiet pride he took in getting things right the first time. Steve served as the Secretary of The Farm Bureau and at the time of his death was the President of the Croydon Pipeline Company.The hats he wore were many, but his most meaningful by far was Dad and Grandpa. His family was his reason, his joy, and his proudest accomplishment.

Steve never cut corners. His hands were weathered from honest labor, and his soul was polished by a life of giving. He found joy in serving others. He could fix anything - even a broken heart. He could always be found with a pickup truck packed with Pepsi, potato chips, peanuts and children by his side as they worked on the farm together. His desire to teach his posterity everything he knew was important to him and has been crucial to their success. With a shovel in one hand and his pliers in another, he would share a story, a scripture, a quote, a poem or a pun. He was known for weaving life lessons into every task - leaving a constant reminder that how you treat others is more important than what you earn. He wrote beautifully, prayed sincerely, and listened deeply.

Steve had a strong sense of humor. He would often tell his children and grandchildren, “A man without pliers is like a man without hands.” He had a wonderful way with words —gentle when needed, firm when it mattered, and always full of wit and wisdom. Whether in the form of a hand-written note ,torn from a used bag of sugar, a text message, or a front-porch conversation, his words left a mark on everyone lucky enough to hear them.

To the folks in town, he was the man you called when you needed help—no matter the hour, no matter the cost, no matter the weather, and no matter the inconvenience. He always had what you needed, and always gave everything he had and then gave some more. He had a quiet heroism about him. And he did it all without expecting anything in return. He understood that everything he had was given to him by his Heavenly Father and he was to share it with others.

Steve loved his Heavenly Father and his Savior, Jesus Christ, with all his heart, and everything he did was anchored in that sacred relationship. He longed for the day he would return to his heavenly home. He especially yearned to see his daughter, Soozi, his son, Shared, and his grandson, Wil, who passed before him. The ache of their absence was deep, but so was his unshakable hope in the promise of eternal families. He spoke often of the joyful reunion that awaited—and now, we take comfort in knowing it has taken place.

Steve is survived by his greatest blessings, his wife, Vicky, and his twelve children: Nikkole Pentz Malan; Shasta (Blaine) Breshears; Trinity (Angie) Pentz; Elisha (Krissy) Pentz; Elsha (Alex) Hoskins; Jared (Tavia) Pentz; Charity Pentz (Trevor Tucker); Timothy Pentz; Sheldon (Taylor) Pentz; and Seven Pentz; 35 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren, and a legacy of faith, kindness, and cowboy wisdom that will never fade.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents: Charles and Vi Pentz; his daughter, Soozi Pentz; son, Shared Pentz; grandson, Wil Pentz; his brothers: Stan Pentz, Whitney Pentz, Randy Pentz, Timothy Pentz, Samuel Zachariah Pentz; his sisters: Ruby Pentz Nelson, Pearl Pentz Loyd, and Jewell Woolsey.

The world is quieter now without Steve, but heaven is happier - and surely, the bees are buzzing a bit louder there today.

Services: Viewing on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at the Morgan Stake Center from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.; funeral on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 12:00 pm at the Morgan Stake Center with visitation prior to funeral from 10:30 - 11:30 am. Internment in the Croydon Cemetery in Croydon, Utah.

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