Teddy “Ted” L. Hanks
1931 – 2022
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 am in the Woodland Hills Chapel, 200 South Woodland Hills Drive, Woodland Hills, Utah. A viewing will be held before the services from 9:30 to 10:45 am. Interment will be at the Salem City Cemetery. Funeral Services are under the direction of Walker Mortuary.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.walkermemorials.com.