Brenda Ellen Lee Pender, 74, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026, in Hurricane, Utah, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, beautiful handmade treasures, and many people who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Brenda was born on May 20, 1952, in Cedar City, Utah, to Budd and Jessie Lee. She grew up in the small town of Virgin, Utah, on her family's cattle ranch alongside her four siblings. As the middle child of five, Brenda learned early the value of hard work, determination, and holding her own.

She graduated from Hurricane High School in 1970 and went on to attend Southern Utah State College (now Southern Utah University). In 1973, she married Larry Hal Stout, and together they welcomed four children into the world: two daughters and two sons. They later divorced. Brenda subsequently married Jim Pender of Beaver, Utah in 2001, and that marriage also later ended in divorce.

Although Brenda's roots were firmly planted in Virgin, where she grew up and raised her children, she spent nearly the last 20 years of her life in Beaver, Utah. Beaver became a place she dearly loved, filled with wonderful friendships, cherished memories, and a community she was proud to call home.

Brenda was a woman of many talents, but perhaps her greatest gift was creating beautiful things with her hands. She was an exceptionally talented quilter, with a remarkable eye for detail and a love for crocheting and cross-stitching. One of her greatest joys was making a special quilt for each grandchild and new in-law welcomed into the family. Countless hours of careful stitching went into these treasured gifts, each one a lasting reminder of her love, patience, and thoughtfulness.

She also enjoyed playing the piano, women's softball, reading a good book, and spending time in the mountains she loved so much.

Brenda was naturally quiet and somewhat reserved, but those who knew her well appreciated her wonderfully quick wit and unmistakable sense of humor. She didn't always need words to tell you what she was thinking — her face usually took care of that for her! She had a way of delivering a perfectly timed remark or a knowing look that could leave everyone around her laughing.

She was beautiful, strong-willed, independent, and sometimes a little tough around the edges. She believed in hard work, stood firm in her convictions, and wasn't one to sugarcoat much. But beneath that no-nonsense exterior was a woman who valued friendship, family, faith, and the simple joys of life. She showed her love in her own way, often through acts of service, thoughtful gifts, and the time she spent creating something special for someone else.

Brenda was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she especially treasured attending the temple with her dear friends from her temple group in Beaver. Those friendships and experiences brought her great happiness and a sense of belonging.

Brenda is survived by her four children: April (Jeff) Meads, Chase Stout, Megan (Ben) Gylling, and Cade Stout; her beloved grandchildren, Brayden Thorpe, Mackenzie Jenkins, Avery Landreth, Porter Smith, Cooper Smith, and Ryker Smith; and her great-granddaughter, Paislee Thorpe. She is also survived by her siblings, Allen (Judy) Lee and Sharon (Lawrence) Lee.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Budd and Jessie Ruesch Lee; her brother, Clayton Lee; and her sister, Larena Batty.

Brenda's life was not defined by grand gestures or a need to be in the spotlight. Rather, it was found in the steady rhythm of her days, the friendships she nurtured, the quilts she lovingly stitched, the laughter she shared, and the quiet ways she left her mark on the people around her.

Like the beautiful quilts she created, Brenda's life was made up of countless moments, memories, and connections, each one woven together into something uniquely her own. And while her hands are now at rest, the love she stitched into the lives of others will remain for generations to come.

She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and always loved.

Services will be held Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Metcalf Bonzo Hurricane Mortuary, 140 N Main Street. Viewing will be 9-9:45am with services following. Interment in the Virgin Cemetery.