Dee Gifford

Dee DeLaine Gifford passed away on June 14, 2025, at the age of 84, joining his eternal companion, Billie. Born on December 6, 1940, he was the third child of Edward James Gifford and Mary Alice Thorne. Dee's childhood and upbringing took place in Jerome, Idaho.
Dee was sealed for time and all eternity to the love of his life, Wilma "Billie' Thurston in the Idaho Falls Temple on November 23, 1960. They were blessed with 4 children, Todd (Sami) Gifford, Camille (Mickey) Gilmore, Nicki (Brian) Bingham and David (Mindi) Gifford.
Dee graduated from Jerome High School, attended Idaho State University and earned his associate degree at Ricks College. Dee was a born salesman. He worked in many sales fields, including insurance, Starcraft RV, prefab homes, cars and cookware.
Dee and Billie lived in several states before settling in North Ogden, Utah in 1980. Throughout their various residences, they made numerous friendships and maintained contact with these friends until Dee's passing.
Dee served in many capacities throughout his life in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One of his most influential callings, was that of Bishop in Colton, California, but his favorite callings were serving missions with Billie. They served at the Church History Museum, Heber Valley Girl's Camp, and the historical sites in St. George. During those missions, they made lifelong friends, whom they now call family.
Dee was blessed to be able to care for Billie for over a decade as she fought the battle of Alzheimer's. She passed away in August 2021, and Dee has missed her deeply since.
To know Dee was to love him. He was often touted as the 'favorite' uncle, and everyone thought they were his favorite. Dee was blessed with the greatest sense of humor, and it was rare if he wasn't being a smart aleck or teasing you. Dee made friends everywhere he went. He took many people under his wing and treated them as family.
Dee was preceded in death by his eternal companion Billie, his parents, brothers Lee and Eddie, sister Alice, several in-laws and other family members. What a joyous reunion it was!
Dee is survived by his children, 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Donald and Jessie.
The family would like to thank Mesha and all the staff at Dignity Home Health and Hospice for their compassion and support.
We will celebrate Dee's life on Thursday June 19, 2025, at 11:00 at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd, Ogden, Utah. Friends may visit with family on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and again, on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Ben Lomond Cemetery, North Ogden, Utah.