Steven Dale Bliss

Steven Dale Bliss

11 June 1959 – 27 March 2025

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Steven Dale Bliss, a man of integrity, commitment, and dedication, and above all, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and son. Steve completed his life’s mission on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at the age of 65. He fought so hard to stay, he never would have left us so soon, but his heart decided it was his time to rest.

Steve was born June 11, 1959, in Upland, California to Blaine Norman and Patricia Dawn Sheppeard Bliss. When he was 13 the family moved from California to Mapleton, Utah where he spent his growing years.

Steve married his eternal sweetheart, Barbara (née Newman) on June 1, 1989, and later they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Jordan River Temple. Their love story lasted 36 wonderful years. Their love is a shining example of devotion, built on the utmost respect, humor, and faith. The two were perfect companions and were truly life partners – where one was, the other was. They provided each other with incredible strength and tender care that helped them overcome any of life’s challenges.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Steve had many opportunities to serve through the years including serving a mission as a young man in Independence, Missouri. His heart was filled with a deep love for his Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave him strength throughout his life.

Professionally, Steve was a brilliant leader who led with vision and grace and who helped change the lives and trajectories for many at-risk adolescents through his selfless dedication to helping young people achieve physical and mental well-being. He had a unique ability to uplift those who were struggling. Guiding them with his understanding, kindness and example is where he impacted the growth and development of hundreds of young teens. During his professional tenure at The Heritage Community School for adolescents, he was recognized and honored as Employee of the Month, Employee of the Year and the Heritage Spirit of Caring for his significant contributions to the success and mission of Heritage. Steve believed success was not always defined by the end result, but also by the effort one put into achieving it. He also believed in hard work and the importance of striving to be a better person – principles he lived by and taught to the younger generation. Steve felt so grateful to have known and worked with so many wonderful people, who considered Steve a lifelong friend.

Of all his accomplishments, Steve’s greatest joy was his family. He found his greatest happiness in loving and caring for his family. He was a loving and proud father of four children and 11 grandchildren who he loved more than life itself. This was exemplified by his determination to live his life through endless health challenges, hospitalization,surgeries and physical pain. Because of the love of his family, he pushed on with grace and dignity, resilience and strength. He enjoyed spending time with his loved ones, especially his children and grandchildren. He was always eager to hear their stories and share in their adventures. He was deeply proud of them. Along with his eternal companion, Barbara, Steve spent countless hours visiting soccer games, softball games, Karate matches and baseball games where he showed his love and pride for his active and ever-growing family. His home was a favorite gathering place of warmth, laughter and hospitality drawing in family and friends alike.

Steve loved watching movies with a thunderous home theater and was a die-hard BYU fan. Steve was especially fond of his four-legged friends. He delighted in giving a homeless dog a loving home. He loved the Holiday’s. Christmas was a magical time for Steve. He enjoyed decorating and making his home a warm and welcoming place for all. Gathering his family together was such a highlight for him.

Steve’s legacy will be remembered for his kind heart, gentle spirit, generosity, dedication to his family and compassion for others, with a natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He was a selfless man whose passing left an unfillable gap in the hearts of all that knew and loved him. His ability to sacrifice, provide, support, forgive, and love will be forever engrained in all that knew him. Steve was a truly great man whose impact will be forever felt by his family and friends.

As Steve’s children, we would like to express our gratitude to Intermountain Foundation for their endless unwavering support and the love they extended to our mother as she navigated dad’s final days.

We as a family would like to express our deep love and appreciation to Steve’s brothers, Craig and Jeff, his father, Blaine and Steve’s loving and thoughtful daughter-in-law, Heather as well as many dear friends. Especially the Hinkle family for their constant love and support they extended to our family over the years.

We would also like to recognize, with grateful and heartfelt appreciation, the unsung heroes of the Intermountain Health Medical Community who fought alongside Steve for many years; Dr. J. Brent Muhlestein, Dr. Christopher Dunford, Dr. Erik Riessen, and Dr. Stephen Warner. Their dedication, exceptional care and compassion are truly commendable. We would also like to express our gratitude to Intermountain Hospice, especially Steven’s nurse, Emily for the extraordinary care provided to Steve and the support for our family.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Barbara and his children, Gary (Heather) Bliss; Meranda Covington; Amy (Adam) Stevens; and Andrea (Dean) Pickett. His father, Blaine Bliss. Brothers, Craig (Janet) Bliss; Jeff (Renae) Bliss. Sisters-in-law-Cindy Bliss; Dawn Bliss; and adoring grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Steve is preceded by his mother, Patricia, and two brothers Brent and Michael and niece, Angela.

In honor of Steve’s final wishes, there will not be a viewing or funeral. A private graveside service and dedication for the immediate family. If you are searching for a way to honor Steve’s life, he would want everyone to mend old grievances, forgive old hurts, love one another, and care for each other with grace and compassion as he did. He felt very strongly of giving of oneself. If you feel inclined to honor Steve, he would be pleased if you made a contribution to your favorite charity.

Arrangements entrusted to Peel Funeral Home 8525 W Main Street, Magna, UT 84044.

Interment will be at Payson City Cemetery 400 North 800 East, Payson, UT 84651.