Val Dean Hardy

Val Dean Hardy, age 91, passed away peacefully while listening to “You are my Sunshine,” holding his granddaughter LaNae’s hand on June 11, 2025, at the Family Tree in Morgan, Utah. He was born on March 4, 1934 in Ogden, Utah to Jennie and Richard Hardy. Val was the second of five children. Val spent his life rooted in family, faith, and a deep love for the outdoors.

He graduated from Morgan High School in 1953 and soon after married his high school sweetheart, Carol Lee White, on May 9, 1953. They were later sealed in the Ogden temple on October 14, 1995. Together, they built a family raising 6 daughters. Val worked for Ideal cement for 43 years before retiring on April 1, 1997, a proud and steady provider.

Val and Carol shared a devoted partnership, including their service together on several LDS missions in Salt Lake City, Utah. They also held many callings and gave many hours of service to the church and their community. After Carol’s passing in 2007, Val found companionship again and married Lila Stenberg on Dec 27, 2008, with whom he shared his later years.

Val had a zest for life and an unmistakable laugh that echoed through every gathering. He loved riding four-wheelers, fishing and hunting, tying his own jigs, raising turkeys and sheep, and exploring the Uinta mountains as well as other parts of the country. An avid coin collector and metal detector hobbyist, Val cherished adventure including his afternoon rides with Lila, but even more, he cherished his family. Whether it was traveling to celebrate milestones or standing beside loved ones during hard times, he was always there.

Val is survived by his loving wife, Lila Hardy; his daughters, Janette (Bill) Larsen, Lori (Randy) Bice, Val (Jim) Nelson, Kris (Pete) Vel and son in law Dale Shook. He has 19 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren and 21 great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind several beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, his first wife Carol, two daughters—Keli Shook and Holly Erhart, one grandson Caleb Nelson, and one great-grandson Brigg Gines.

A viewing will be held Monday, June 16, 2025 at Walker Mortuary (45 W 200 N, Morgan, UT) from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Morgan Rock Church ( 10 W Young St, Morgan, UT) at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing prior to the services from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the South Morgan Cemetery.

We would like to give a special thanks to Cory, Mardy and Tina as well as the very loving and caring staff at Family Tree Assisted Living in Morgan.

Val will be remembered for his strength, his humor, his unwavering loyalty, and the joy he brought into every room. His presence was large, his heart even larger. As Val would say—“Don’t overdo.” We love you, Gramps. You’ll be missed more than words can say.