Marylee Anne Benavidez

On May 27th, 2022, Marylee Anne Benavidez, age 35, died tragically and instantly in a car accident together with her beloved German Shepherd “Ku.” She was born June 5th, 1986 in Logan, Utah to Sarah K. Whittlesey and Jason Kenneth Benavidez.

Marylee was a gregarious, smart student who attended Crescent Elementary, Mount Jordan Middle School, Alta High School, and graduated from Jordan High School in 2004. She was a versatile athlete whose talents included gymnastics and swimming, and she made history with her successful efforts to become the first ever female wrestler on Jordan High’s team.

She is survived by her parents, sons Alexander Webster (13) and Enzio Brice (7), older siblings Danna Thompson and Colleen Benavidez, her younger siblings, Benjamin (Kayley), Bonnie Jensen (Louis), Samuel, Wyatt and Luke Garcia, and five nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her older brother, Jeremy Blotter.

Marylee was an extraordinarily creative, free spirit who could seemingly pick up any new skill quickly and effortlessly. Just like her mother, she was handy around the house and could be found morning-time in the aisles of her favorite store, Home Depot, renting a chainsaw to replace her broken water heater herself, while later the same afternoon fitting one of the many customers who seasonally flocked to her to purchase her ingenuitive Halloween and Comic-Con costume designs.  She loved all kinds of animals, particularly the horses she was fortunate to keep and ride over the years.

Marylee worked tirelessly to try and provide a stable, joyous life for her two sons whom she loved deeply, and she nurtured their interests and strengths with pride. Marylee lived for fun—was always up for an adventure—and she managed to shrug off life’s difficult moments and hiccups with a quick wit and bright resiliency. Marylee was wise beyond her years from a young age. She also enjoyed a strong connection to the spirit world: loved ones counted themselves lucky when she would occasionally share the accurate messages and truths that came to her.

Marylee was a tough cookie who never lost her sweet demeanor and ability to share a joke with anyone. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her infectious laugh will ring on in our ears forever.

Viewing to be held Saturday, June 4th 3pm-4pm at 275 E. 10600 S., Sandy, UT, with services following at 4:30 p.m. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, June 5^th 4-7 pm at 10730 S. 455 E. Sandy, UT.

Arrangements in care of Dalton-Hoopes Funeral Home & Cremation Center. 435-884-3031