Rodney Lee Mitchell

It is with deep sadness that we announce Rodney Lee Mitchell, age 66, passed away peacefully on January 4th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend, leaving behind a legacy of love, joy, and generosity.

Rodney was born on March 12th, 1958, in Salt Lake City, UT to Ernest Ralph and Bonita Mitchell. He was the beloved husband of Barbara Mitchell for 31 years. Rod was also a loving partner to Judy Smith for 14 years.

A man of many passions, Rod loved his family deeply and always made time for the people he cared about. He was a devoted father who enjoyed sharing his love for the outdoors with his loved ones, through countless camping and hiking trips, where he found peace and joy among nature. Fishing was another of his passions, and he spent many hours by the water, enjoying both solitude and the company of friends and family. Whether he was on a quiet trail or by the water’s edge, nature was his sanctuary.

A lover of music, films, and travel, Rod found joy in exploring the world around him. Whether it was on a cruise, a Harley motorcycle ride, through the tunes of a favorite song, or the plot of a good movie or play, he relished every adventure with enthusiasm.

Rod was also deeply committed to giving back. His volunteer work was a testament to his generous spirit and kind heart, always ready to lend a hand and support his community in any way he could. Rod dedicated 35 years to the gas company, where he built lasting friendships and earned the respect of those who worked alongside him.

Rodney is survived by his loving partner Judy Smith, two children; daughter Shellby (Kevin) Simms and son Kristopher (Laci) Mitchell, one grandson, two step-grandsons, and one step-great grandson, and brothers Kenny, Ray and Rick Mitchell. He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara Mitchell, parents Ernest Ralph and Bonita Mitchell, brother Keith Mitchell, in-laws Howard, Amy and Phillip Kerby, and his loyal family dogs Pepper and Trinket. He will be missed by all who knew him, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the selfless lung donor whose gift allowed Rod to live an additional six years, and to the University of Utah Pulmonary teams and Huntsman Cancer teams for their kind and compassionate care.

A service celebrating Rod’s life will be held on Saturday January 25th, 2025, at the Valley View Funeral Home. A visitation will be held at 10:00am and the Memorial Service will begin at 11:30am. Inurnment: Valley View Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rod’s name to: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (bestfriends.org/sanctuary) or Fisher House (fisherhouse.org)

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.valleyviewfuneral.com

Livestream of the service may be viewed at: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c2501139449355