Rhett V Durfee

Our Precious Husband Dad and Grandpa, Rhett V. Durfee went to the place perfectly prepared for him on January 4, 2026. Rhett was at his home in Mesquite, NV where his family had come to be with him. He always trusted the words of Jesus “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2

He was born to Verr and Edith Durfee on September 6, 1943, in Aurora Utah. He married Eunice Elaine Jensen Durfee on August 17, 1962, in Richfield, Utah.

Rhett grew up on the family farm. In his youth he took on many jobs, including farm work, mountain logging, and sheep herding. He earned a bachelor's degree from Utah State University and worked as a Natural Resource Specialist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Land Management. He later obtained his Master of Divinity from Mid-America Theological Seminary and became a minister. He pastored churches in California and Utah and also worked as a locksmith. Later in retirement he found joy in participating in community theater as an actor and took up pottery.

He enjoyed traveling, rodeo, hunting, camping, country music, cowboy boots, western movies and books, a good sermon and laughter with friends and family, always being the entertainer in the house, continually making us laugh and smile. The fun included morning serenade whether you were ready or not. He never met a stranger whether they were ready or not.

He was passionate about his faith and family. His deep devotion to faith and family has shaped his love for his country over the last decade, and his hope and prayer remain for a path forward defined by joy, love, kindness, equality, and peace for all.

Left behind and missing him dearly are his wife Elaine, son Shelten(Lisa), daughter, Sonja(William)Stebe and grandchildren Zane, Brynne, Erin and Kimberly. Brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Waiting for him in that mansion in heaven are his son Shawn and daughter Dallas, his mom and dad, his brothers and a sister.

Honoring his wishes no formal service will be held. When he looks down from heaven, we think he may approve of a potluck in the park in the spring.

He was always sure of heaven he just wasn’t in a hurry to leave us saying, “I want to go to heaven, I just don’t want to leave today”