Allen Rocky Stephens

Allen "Rocky" Stephens

November 1, 1953 - February 22, 2026

Allen "Rocky" Stephens, a beloved brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on February 22, 2026, in West Jordan, Utah, at the age of 72. Born on November 1, 1953.

Rocky was a man of passion, skill, and an unforgettable personality who touched the lives of all who knew him. He has now returned home to his Heavenly Father, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, and adventure. Rocky's life was defined by his innate ability to work with his hands making his living as both a skilled carpenter and a mechanic. His craftsmanship and mechanical knowledge were often sought after, and he took pride in his work, creating lasting pieces and keeping things running smoothly. Beyond his professional life, Rocky was an outdoorsman. His greatest joys were found in the mountains, where he loved camping, fishing, and four-wheeling with his close-knit group, the "Desert Rats 4 Wheel Drive Club." The friendships forged on those dusty trails and around crackling campfires were some of the most cherished of his life. People were naturally drawn to Rocky, finding his company lively, genuine, and always entertaining.

Rocky was a gifted and creative soul. He found deep satisfaction in playing the guitar, often singing songs and teaching others to play. He was a talented artist, known for his drawing, but perhaps most uniquely, for creating intricate art from bones he would meticulously find while exploring the desert. His charismatic and sometimes boisterous personality earned him several affectionate nicknames, including "Rocky the Mile-er," "The Rock of Salt Lake," and "Rocky Bird." Rocky was truly the "center of attention" wherever he went, known for his storytelling and his ability to make everyone feel welcome and amused.

One of Rocky's most notable traits was his extraordinary love for animals. He possessed a truly remarkable way with creatures of all kinds, often taking in and caring for a variety of unique pets. Over the years, his pet family included a variety of diverse pets: a huge lizard he would take for walks, noble wolves, a clever fox, a curious skunk, a playful raccoon, wise owls, a tiny sugar glider, magnificent horses, a prickly hedgehog, and his dearly loved Doberman Pinschers.

Rocky is preceded in death by his loving parents, Allen and Charlyne; his brother, Todd; and Nancy "Diane," the mother of his children, with whom he shared a family.

He is survived by his devoted family, including his three sisters, Kim S. Unsworth (Gary), Kristie S. Bonnett (David), and Karyn S. David (Brad Nielson); his loving children, Michelle "Mikki" Gonzalez and Rochelle "Rocky" Thomas (Bard); his cherished grandchildren, Emelio, Dante, Skylar, and Shantel; and his precious great-grandchildren, Jaiden, Zhavia, Kinsley, Emberly, Damian, Kadence, and baby Miles, who will carry his memory forward. He also leaves behind a large and loving circle of nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him dearly and he will be missed.

In accordance with Rocky's wishes, he has been cremated. A private celebration of his life for immediate family and friends will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. It will be held in Room A on the 2nd floor of the West Valley Family Fitness Center, located at 5415 West 3100 South, and will be followed by a luncheon.