Loraine Wilcken Denney

Loraine Wilcken Denney, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend passed away surrounded by her family on March 13, 2024 at the age of 78. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Loraine was the 4th and youngest daughter of Beatrice Bailey and William Reiche Wilcken. Throughout her life, she touched the hearts of literally all who knew her with her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love. She loved everyone right where they were.

Loraine's memory will forever be cherished by her devoted husband, Michael Kirby Denney. Mike and Loraine were married on February 5, 1965 in Salt Lake City, Utah and later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City temple. Loraine was Mike’s whole world, and she knew it as he would tell her everyday “You Are Safe in My Heart.”

Loraine was the perfect mom for each of her six children. She taught them hard work, honesty, sewing, a love of reading, toilet papering neighbor’s houses, how to have fun and pull off a perfect prank. Loraine supported her children as they developed their talents in music, dance, and sports. She was a mother to everyone. Her nieces, nephews, and children’s friends loved to be in her home. She always made sure her children knew that she was grateful for them as she often told them “Thank you for coming to our family to live.”

One of Loraine's greatest joys was spending time with her 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She always made a special effort to attend every concert, program, game, and anything else that featured the achievements and joys of her family members. She was the best at creating cherished memories through card games, dominoes, and laughter. Each of her grandchildren loved to be tickled by grandma. Loraine lovingly gave special nicknames to each of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and more. Some of them even gave her cherished names of Grandma Draine, Biya, and Grandma Snowbird. She always told them “I love you BATS” meaning she loved them Big as The Sky.

Loraine's passions were as vibrant as her personality. She found solace and joy in the art of quilting and scrapbooking, creating intricate designs that reflected her creativity and dedication. Her love for owls brought a whimsical touch to her life, as she adorned her home with their images. Everyone that knew Loraine would think of her anytime they saw an owl. Loraine's eyes would light up at the sight of anything that sparkled, and she brought that sparkle into the lives of those around her with her infectious personality and joy. If there was something fun to do, Loraine was there. She always said she had a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out). She participated in bowling leagues with friends and some of her children and was even a competitive trampoline gymnast as a teenager.

Loraine was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a devoted servant of the Lord whose life exemplified faith and boundless compassion. Loraine's journey here on earth was defined by her profound love for her Heavenly Father and an unwavering commitment to serving others. She dedicated her life to living out the teachings of Jesus Christ, extending kindness and support to everyone who knew her. Whether helping neighbors or simply offering a listening ear and a comforting presence, Loraine's selflessness touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on her community. Her legacy of love will continue to inspire and uplift all who had the privilege of knowing her. Loraine's earthly journey may have come to an end, but her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she touched.

Loraine was preceded in death by her parents, bonus mom Reah Farnsworth Mower Wilcken, sisters Marolyn Trask Cox and Connie Chapman Vlamis, and daughter Sherese Jessee. What a joyous reunion in heaven as she is welcomed by those who loved her so dearly. Loraine is survived by her husband of 59 years Mike, sister Dolores Scott, five children: Janae (Kendell) Holmstead, Erin (Bill) Branham, Justin, Kameron (Nicolette), and Karson (Betsy), 21 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. She was the heart and soul of her family, always offering love, support, and guidance to each member with an open heart and a listening ear. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday, March 19th at 11:00 am at the Eastridge 1st Ward, 552 E. 11400 S., Draper, UT 84020. Viewings will take place Monday, March 18th from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Anderson & Goff Mortuary, 11859 S. 700 E., Draper, UT 84020, as well as prior to the funeral services at the Eastridge 1st Ward from 9:30 am – 10:45 am Tuesday.  Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Diabetes Association. https://diabetes.org/ways-to-give/memorial-gift

The service will be livestreamed on the Anderson & Goff Mortuary Facebook Page at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Funeral-Service---Cemetery/Anderson-Goff-Mortuary-293949407707203/ 
(The livestream video will appear when the service starts.)