Dena Beal was born April 9, 1980. She was the middle child and only daughter of Dave and Larena Beal. On May 22nd 2025 she passed away quietly near her home in Lehi, Utah. Her unexpected passing has left a hole in our hearts that cannot be filled.

Dena lived her entire life in the Lehi area, within 15 miles of all of her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. She developed a fierce love for her family. Growing up she loved being with her brothers and cousins, riding bikes, running through the sprinklers, picnics, camping, fighting on the lawn or just hanging out. There was often a pack of 6-10 cousins at any given time. She loved her family very much and remained loyal without exception!

From her first day of kindergarten to her last day of college she loved it and excelled! She graduated from Orem High School in 3 1/2 years and was on the High Honor Roll just .1 point shy of a 4.0 GPA. She went on to graduate Cum Laude (honors) and on the Dean's List from Utah Valley University with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration.

She worked in the automobile parts industry for many years and loved it. She had a steel trap for a memory and could still quote any part you may need!

In 2006 she became a devoted and doting mother to her son Draven. He was her pride and joy and she loved him with all of her heart!

Dena was a character, with a wicked sense of humor and the kindest of hearts. She just wanted to help everyone be happy! She loved giving small homemade gifts and treasures. With her creative flare she could turn an old garden pot or discarded Harts cup, a handful of dandelions, 3 dried out sunflowers (one of her favorites) and a bunch of Johnson's grass into a gift to be treasured. She did this for the purest of reasons, to make people smile and be happy! She also loved to leave "notes and quotes" for her Dad, Mom, son, brother and partner Lucas. We found these in the mailbox, on the whiteboard in the shop, the windshield of the cars or just about anywhere she knew we would find them. I hope there is one person left in this world who will carry on her happiness campaign!

Some of her favorite things were good old bull sessions with Draven and Lucas, early morning rides in the jeep or walks down the road with her dad, trips to the Dollar Store with her Aunt Debbie, her mom's homemade chicken noodle soup, a pop-in visit with Aunt Connie or her brother Dustin and of course her kitties, Marley, Raina, Chicken and Shunami.

Dena was preceded in death by her brother Dace Beal, which quite literally broke her heart, her grandparents Lillian and Lawrence Beal and Elwin and Hazel Ault, her uncles Rick Beal and Kip Beal, aunt and uncle Connie and Skip Oxborrows, her cousins Terris Kirkham and Calvin Beal.

She is survived by her son Draven Wathen, parents Dave and Larena Beal, partner and best friend Lucas Sparrow, brother Dustin Beal, niece Breeza Beal, nephews Garin Beal and Dace Adams, sister-in-law Amy Beal, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and a few good friends.

Dena was a brilliant, loving, kind hearted soul. Kind of a rare combination. We loved her so, so much! And will miss her every single day of our lives!

Please join us in paying our last respects during a graveside service. It will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, 1:30 pm at the American Fork City Cemetery, 26 West 600 North, American Fork, Utah.