Reta Renné Cole Dearden
March 10, 1939 — January 23, 2025
Reta Renné Cole Dearden, aged 85, passed away on January 23, 2025, due to congenital heart failure. Born on March 10, 1939, in Kaysville, UT, she was the tenth child of Ernest Percy and Nellie Jackson Cole.
Reta graduated from Davis High School and LDS Seminary in 1957, serving as the school historian during her senior year. During her time there, she formed numerous friendships and honed her talent for fashion design.
She married Lee Dearden, the love of her life, on September 22, 1962. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Ogden LDS Temple. Reta and Lee had a wonderful life together, enjoying cruises, spending winters in Yuma, AZ with friends and volunteering at the Ed Kenley Amphitheater. They celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary in 2022. Reta painstakingly cared for Lee, as his health declined, for over three years until his passing in June 2023. They are now joyfully reunited.
A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Reta served in various callings, including Young Womens President and Relief Society President.
Reta will be remembered fondly by so many. Known for her striking raven hair, her fashionable outfits and her petite (4’10”) stature, she made lifelong friends playing golf in various ladies’ leagues, participating as a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, and enjoying daily lunches at the Riverdale Senior Center.
Reta is survived by her son, Doug (Sandy) Dearden; daughter, Misty (Mark) Bond; sister, Donna McAlister; six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers, Sheldon, Bill, Ashley, Rulon, Boyd, and Norman; and by sisters, Amber and Nelda.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Riverdale 4th Ward Chapel, 5500 South 1175 West. Friends may visit with family on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. and Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.
The family extends their gratitude to the cardiologists at McKay-Dee Hospital and to Bristol Hospice for their exceptional care of Reta in her final weeks. They also wish to thank the incredible neighbors and friends who have supported their parents over the past several years.
Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Reta’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com where condolences may also be shared.