After enduring many years of inactivity for many years due to heart failure, Ben William Tenney traded this mortal life for a far better one on September 6, 2025 at his home in Kanab, Utah. Ben was born on May 9, 1940 in Mesa, Arizona, the son of Ammon Norfleet Tenney and Sylvia Carling Cluff. He spent most of his youth in Chandler, Arizona, where he was known as a talented artist and a practical joker.
After graduating from Chandler High School he married Suzanne Whitten. They made their home in Gilbert, Arizona, where they reared four children. Ben owned a printing business and also worked as a professional photographer. Together they owned an antique store, where he learned the skill of furniture and antique restoration.
After Suzanne’s death in 1999, he married his elementary school sweetheart, Karolyn Jackman, and they moved to a new home in Kanab, Utah, where he had the time to express his love for gardening by creating a beautiful area of trees and flowers. He was a faithful and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities throughout his life. Together with his wife, Karolyn, he served a mission in the Philippines, assisting young students get loans so they could further their educations. It was here that he perfected the art of daredevil driving.
Ben was an accomplished artist, wood-carver, gardener, family history buff, collector of all things fun and interesting and a great party host. He was always ready with a good joke. While confined to his recliner, he continued to serve by sorting and pricing donated toys for the Kane County hospital thrift store. Thanks to all those who donated Nerf guns, roaring dinosaurs, big trucks and talking robots. He loved them all!
Ben was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Ellen, son William Eric and step-daughter Lauralyn Kaye Jensen. He is survived by his wife, Karolyn, sons Kevin Duayne and Randall Kirk, daughters Diana Lyn and Katarine Lynn, and by step-children Kent, Evelyn, Kristine, Bryce, Brett, and Scott Jensen, all of whom love him dearly.
Ben did not want a funeral and he preferred that his life be celebrated, rather than his loss by mourned. A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, September 27th at his home at 1501 South Mcallister Drive, and at the Kaibab Stake house, also on McAllister Drive, when all friends and family can come and share Ben stories and the wonderful memories he has left us. Go with God, Ben. We will love you throughout all eternity.