Dean Whitby Strong, 66, of Ojai, California, passed away peacefully at his home on August 1, 2023. Dean was born in American Fork, Utah to Ronald and Lorraine Strong on August 15, 1956. His early years were spent in Alpine, Utah, working on the farm, playing pranks with his cousins, and making memories with his siblings. He graduated from American Fork High School in 1974. Dean served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Rome, Italy. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in communications from Brigham Young University in 1982. During his time at BYU, he met Lorinda Christensen and they were married in the Los Angeles Temple on May 2, 1980. He moved to Ojai in 1984. He was actively involved with youth sports in the community, coaching many rec teams and always cheering on the Nordhoff Rangers. Dean was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He had a strong testimony of the Savior and spent his whole life in service to Jesus Christ. He was known for his kindness and friendship. He was everybody’s best friend.
Dean loved his family deeply and believed that families can be together forever. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Lorinda, of Ojai, California; children Megan Coffman (Dallin) of Dequincy, Louisiana; William Strong (Bethany) of Bentonville, Arkansas; Whitney Stewart (Jared) of Sugar City, Idaho; and Cassidy Shelp (Austin) of Idaho Falls, Idaho; grandchildren Jack, Lucas, Lily, Kate, Carter, Russell, Camille, Rebekah, Olivia, Sadie, Peyton, and Zachary; four brothers and four sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Natalie and Janene, and granddaughter Sophie.
Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 411 San Antonio St., Ojai, California on Monday, August 7, 2023, at 11am. There will be a viewing prior to the service at 10am. Interment will take place at the Teton-Newdale Cemetery in Sugar City, Idaho. Arrangements are made under the direction of JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura.