Verlynn Kay Hess

Oct 24, 1950 — Jul 19, 2026

Syracuse

On July 19, 2026, Verlynn “Kay” Hess completed her earthly journey and returned to her Heavenly Father, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and kindness.

Kay was born on October 24, 1950, to Verl and Adora (Kidman) Dahl. She was born and raised in Syracuse, Utah. She graduated from Clearfield High School in 1968 before earning her nursing degree at Weber State University. Kay devoted over 40 years at Lakeview Hospital, serving as a nurse in almost every capacity.

While attending Clearfield High School, she saw Craig Hess playing basketball. Kay and her girlfriends gave him the nickname “the hairy ape” behind his back. Little did she know that the “hairy ape” would eventually become her husband. Kay noticed Craig on the basketball court, but Craig didn’t notice Kay until she won the Miss Syracuse Pageant in 1968. After that, Kay and Craig dated and were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 15, 1969. They settled in West Layton and were married for 52 years before his death in 2021.

Together they raised 3 daughters who blessed them with 14 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. Kay was absolutely obsessed with her grandchildren. She often hosted sleepovers, attended hundreds of sporting events, concerts, and had the biggest toy collection around. She spent a lot of time (and money) at Gymboree. Nothing made her happier than spending time with her grandkids, and she treasured every moment.

Kay loved a deal. She clipped coupons recreationally and knew the markdown cadence of every major clothing brand, especially the Dillard’s semiannual sales. She liked to go “fishing,” which didn’t have anything to do with fish but was code for looking for a deal. Kay loved the “Three B’s”—Beanie Babies, Longaberger Baskets, and Boyd’s Bears. She proudly collected and displayed them for many years and never let a little teasing diminish the joy they brought her.

Kay had a gift at making every holiday feel special. She decorated every inch of the house for every holiday. She was an amazing gift giver and always gave the most thoughtful gifts. Her gifting motto was “go big or go home,” and Christmas was always memorable as she went out of her way to make things feel warm and special. While she always loved Christmas, her favorite was Halloween. She spent many Halloween nights hiding on the porch so she could scare trick-or-treaters as they approached the door. She was an amazing storyteller, and nothing made her happier than gathering a few kids around her and scaring them to death with her horror stories.

She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many callings, including Primary chorister, Young Women leader, emergency preparedness guru, and Relief Society president. She had a strong testimony and was happy to have the opportunity to serve as the mission nurse in the California Rancho Cucamonga Mission from 2015–2016. Beyond her church service, Kay used her nursing skills and gift of gab to lovingly reach out to those in need and lift the hearts of those around her.

Kay is survived by her children, Kamie (Mike) Gorder, Kacie (Sam) Malouf, Kelsie (Dan) Powers; her 14 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson; Brett (Debbie) Dahl, Kim (Lisa) Dahl, KO (Melanie) Murdock, Scott (Sydney) Hess, and Susan Wallace.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Craig Hess; her sister, Tonya Murdock; her brother, Lamont Dahl; her nephew, Tyler Dahl; Brent and Margaret Hess; Leanne and Mike Hoskins; and her parents.

Though her family will miss her deeply, they rejoice in knowing that her faithful service is complete and find comfort in knowing she is once again with Craig and other loved ones who have gone before.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 1, at 11 a.m. at Lindquist Syracuse Mortuary, 869 S. 2000 W., Syracuse, UT. Friends may visit with family on Friday, July 31, from 6–8 p.m. and again on Saturday from 9:30–10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment will be held at Syracuse Cemetery, 1250 South 1000 West, Syracuse, Utah 84075.

https://www.lindquistmortuary.com/obituaries/verlynn-hess