Jonathan Dee

On February 3, 1983, in Salt Lake City, UT, Jonathan Dee came into this world to Howard and Antoinette Dee. Jonathan is their firstborn.

He is a Bitterwater, born for the Edgewater clan. His cheiis are Mangoats and his naaliis are Folded Arms people.

His maternal grandparents are Fred A. and Nellie Smith of Black Mesa, AZ and John and Rose Mary Dee of Navajo White Mesa, UT.

Because his parents were on the LDS placement program, Jonathan had an additional set of grandparents, Grandpa and Grandma Alan W. Layton of Salt Lake City and Papa and Nana Leo C. Johnson of Tucson, AZ. Besides these additional grandparents, he also had many aunts, uncles and cousins from these families.

At three months, Jonathan and his family moved to Monument Valley. For the past 24 years, this has been his home.

He started his education with Monument Valley Headstart, continuing on to Mexican Hat Elementary School and graduating from Monument Valley High School in 2001.

In 2005, he received an Associate of Arts degree from the College of Eastern Utah – San Juan Campus. For the past two years he has been attending Utah Valley State College in Orem, UT, studying Business Information System. He has always been a computer geek.

During his high school career, he was active in cross country, student council, Sterling Scholar, National Honor Society, and Ndaahoaah program.

Jonathan’s life was centered around service. He would always manage a way to help others. During his senior year, he was given the honor of receiving the Utah Governor’s Youth Service Award by Governor Leavitt.

While attending CEU, he received a mission call to serve in the Arizona Mesa Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved his mission and everyone he came in contact with, including companions and mission presidents.

Jonathan was active in his Mexican Hat LDS Branch. He loved being involved in Cub Scouts and earning his badges. He was active in Young Men, Seminary and Institute programs.

As a young adult, he served in the Primary, Elder’s Quorum Presidency, Sunday School, and Priesthood. The gospel was always first in his life.

Jonathan returned to his Heavenly Father on July 18, 2007 at 12:18 p.m. at the University Medical Center in Salt Lake City, UT. Jonathan came into this world at University of Utah Medical Center and left from the same place.

Jonathan is survived by his parents, Howard and Tonie, sister Melinda and brother Tylan.

Card of thanks

Throughout our lives we have learned to give to others, but when you are on the receiving end, it is a very humbling experience. Losing our son was very difficult and it is still hard to believe he is not here with us.

We couldn’t imagine where to start, but Steve and Janet Wilcox stepped in and assured us it will be taken care. We were amazed at the kindness and selfless love the people of Blanding opened to us.

Our hearts are fulfilled with gratitude and it helps to ease some of the pain our hearts feel. You truly exemplified what it means to be your “brother’s keeper”.

From the depths of our hearts, we want to express our sincere appreciation and love to all those who lent a helping hand, Clayton and Rosie Long; Jerry and Lynette Adams; and Brian and Sylvia Stubbs; San Juan Mortuary, Desert Sage Rose, Flower Shop, all Blanding LDS wards, Mexican Hat Branch, Four Corners Inn; and all the cards, donations, e-mails, and phone calls we received.

Howard, Tonie, Melinda, and Tylan Dee,

Monument Valley