Teddy “Ted” Lee Hanks, of Salem, Utah, passed away on February 18, 2022, in Riverton, Utah. He was born on January 1, 1931, in his paternal grandparent’s home located on Main Street in Salem, Utah. He was the eldest son of George Elmer (Kelly) Hanks and Thelma Lucille Lee.
Ted attended school through the 9th Grade in Salem, after which he finished his high school years in Spanish Fork. During his sophomore year he met Della Jex, who was his same age, and eventually became his eternal companion. After graduating from High School in 1949, he attended BYU until an LDS mission call sent him to England for two years.
Following his mission, he and Della were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 21, 1953. He returned to School at BYU and Della found employment. After graduation from BYU, he went to work for U.S. Steel’s mineral exploration department, then located at the Geneva plant, adjacent to where Della was employed in the accounting department. This marked the beginning of their lifetime practice of always working together. When things got rough, it was Della who always said, “Together we can solve it!”
Initially they built their first home on the hill east of Salem Pond. While living there he received an advanced degree from BYU. Other activities included serving two terms on the Nebo School Board and serving as an Adjunct Professor at BYU, teaching Religion and Geology. He also had a career as an independent consulting geologist for various individuals and corporations. This career took him on projects from Montana to Mexico. Eventually Ted and Della built their second home on the family farm that was subsequently incorporated into Woodland Hills. He served as the first Bishop of the Salem 5th Ward.
Ted was happiest when he was writing, working on the farm, planting trees, or helping others. One of the most enjoyable activities was helping others compile and write their personal and family histories. Many people have expressed gratitude for his assistance with this activity.
Ted’s passion for writing produced dozens of books and histories. Topics ranged from life’s lessons to histories to Christmas stories. He wrote weekly articles for several years for the Spanish Fork Press. He was forever grateful to the owners of the Press for this opportunity.
In addition to his passion for writing, he loved the family farm. As Ted and Della lived on the farm, they developed a place for the gathering of family, provided opportunities to teach his posterity how to work, and created special memories.
His life was an example of dedication and service.
Ted is survived by his three children, Kevin (Christine) Hanks, Tracey (Kevin) Doney, Jason (Kristie) Hanks, 17 grandchildren, and 45 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Kurt, sisters-in-law Deanna (Boyd) Hanks, Corinne (Robert) Memmott. He was preceded in death by his wife, Della, parents, brother Boyd, sister Lucille, and great granddaughter Nora.
The family would like to express gratitude to the owners and employees of The Beehive Home in Riverton, Utah. They gave great care, concern, and love to our father for his last three years.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 11 a.m. in the Woodland Hills Chapel, 200 South Woodland Hills Drive, Woodland Hills, Utah. A viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. before the services. Interment will be at the Salem City Cemetery.
7 Condolences for Ted Hanks
Condolences(7)
Judy Robinson Spencer says
February 23, 2022 at 8:40 pmDear Tracey and family,
Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. What an awesome man. I loved your folks and always felt their kindness.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
God Bless
Randal Gibb says
February 23, 2022 at 8:40 pmMy wife and I have been blessed to have known Ted Hanks. We moved into Woodland Hills, in July of 1983 and Ted and Della were two of the first people we remember meeting at the Salem 5th Ward. The welcomed us outsiders with open arms and we developed a love for them and their family. We will miss Ted’s example of writing and family history. Enjoy this new journey Brother Hanks! Love, Randal and Diane Gibb
Talon Jensen says
February 23, 2022 at 9:58 pmDear Kevin and family, I remember many days visiting with Kelly and Lucille as well as Ted and Della. Those are good memories because they were all good people and a good family. I was blessed to grow up with good friends and wish you and your family comfort and love. Thanks, Talon Edward Jensen
Karl Stone says
February 24, 2022 at 4:57 amA wonderful man who was kind to me and had a good influence on my life. I was blessed to spend many hours at the Hanks home playing with my boyhood friends. We love the Hanks family. Karl Stone
Dale Anderson says
February 25, 2022 at 6:08 pmI was blessed by this great man, he allowed me to work for him a few summers. He was a great worker and taught me how to do that. Also the joy of each other company during breaks, I felt as one of the family and that continued for may years as he was always at Jason and his grandchildren activities. Some of my best memories were during this time. Thank you Ted.
Craig says
February 26, 2022 at 11:26 pmJason, I Very much enjoyed the times when we would help You and your dad burn the brush piles on the farm.in Woodland Hills. He would have hobo dinners and insist that we ate and was always so down to earth. My condolences to you and your family.
tytan bird says
March 10, 2025 at 5:36 pmDear family I was so sad he passed away I miss him so much and the great times we had with him. God bless.
Send Flowers
Sympathy Arrangements
Wreaths and Standing Arrangements
Casket and Family Flowers
Print Obituary