Stewart Rhead Pendleton, Jr.

Stewart Rhead Pendleton, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026. Stewart was born on March 10, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Stewart Rhead Pendleton, Sr. and Edwina Allred Pendleton. The oldest of five kids, Stewart attended Highland High School in Salt Lake City before he faithfully served an LDS mission in New Zealand. He attended the University of Utah where he sang in the A Cappella Choir, and it was there that his friends set him up with the woman who would quickly become the love of his life, Laura Lee Bjorndal. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in 1965 and had eight children. They were married for over 61 years.

Stewart worked in sales for most of his career, and enjoyed spending time in the mountains at the family cabin with loved ones. He loved reading books and listening to music, and read the scriptures daily. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints his whole life, and had a strong testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, and the Prophet Joseph Smith. He faithfully served in many callings within the Church, including as Sunday School President, Elders’ Quorum President, Sunday School teacher, Elders’ Quorum instructor, and was a High Priest. When he retired, he became a service missionary for the Church, serving in several capacities. He deeply enjoyed this work and found it very fulfilling, and continued serving in that mission for a number of years.

Stewart always loved being silly and making people laugh, especially with his hilariously hideous faces, while he showcased his musical talent with the only song he played on the piano, “Cackling Chickens.” He also had a very warm and tender side, and often offered quiet words of love and advice when they were most needed. He was adored by all of us, and we will miss him every day. While we are sad at his passing, we gratefully celebrate his full and happy life, and his transition to the next stage of his eternal journey.

Preceded in death by his parents, Stewart and Edwina Pendleton, Stewart will be remembered with great love and affection by his beloved wife, Laura, siblings Sue Jacobsen (Dick), Lothair, Louise Smith, Steve (Rhonda), his children John (Laurel), Mark (Jana), Susie, Bjorn (Becky), Catherine Peck (Dave), Brian (Krista), David (Ana), and Marianne Paventy (Tim), as well as 35 sweet grandchildren and 20 precious great-grandchildren. The family expresses thanks to The Beaumont Assisted Living & Memory Care for the kindness, care, and support they offered Stewart and his family during his short time there.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., with a viewing from 11:00–11:45 a.m., at the LDS Meetinghouse at 1500 South 600 East in Bountiful, Utah. Following the services, Stewart will be interred at Lakeview Memorial Park in Bountiful.