Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Services

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose.  All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” ~ Helen Keller

Denice Mattinson Fatai

Our loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Denice Mattinson Fatai, passed away on September 14, 2017, after a short illness at UVH. She was surrounded by her loved ones, who will miss her dearly.

Denice, born March 25, 1959 to Faye Barney Mattinson  Bird and the late Fred G. Mattinson, was raised and educated in Payson. After graduating from Payson High School, she continued her education at UVCC.

She married Taniela (Daniel) Makai Fatai on September 29, 1988. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple.

Denice worked at IHC for 21 years. She was ambitious and enjoyed working. She especially loved the friendships she had with her associates.

Family meant everything to Denice. She was so proud of them. Her family was the light of her life. She loved to spoil her daughter Lexi; son McAbe and grandson, Keione. She loved to shop, and was a giving person. Every gift from Denice was thoughtful and generous. She had a knack for being a party planner, and was the very best at planning holiday get-togethers, family reunions and birthday parties. She remembered every little detail. Family and friends were fortunate to attend the barbeques in her meticulous yard. Denice and Daniel worked hard to have a beautiful yard and hosted many wedding receptions and ward activities. "Auntie Denice" was a favorite of all the kids, especially her nieces and nephews.  She showed them unconditional love and genuinely cared for all of them.  Shopping with Denice and Grandma Faye is their favorite memory.

Denice was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served in a variety of callings, but her favorite was working with the younger people.

Denice is survived by her loving husband, Daniel; daughter Lexi; son McAbe; grandson Keione; mother, Faye Barney Mattinson Bird; brothers, Stephen R. Mattinson  (Shellie), Brad G Mattinson (Connie), and Kyle W Bird (Trista); brothers and sister-in-laws, Semisi Makai (Cindy), Uili Makai (Kathleen), Tevita Fatai, Akanesi (Nafe) Veasisi.  She is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Denice is preceded in death by her father, and her mother and father- in- law Sione Lavaka and Amelia Fatai.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Payson Stake Center, 650 West 800 South, Payson, Utah. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 22, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at the Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. A visitation will also be held prior to service from 9-10:45 a.m.

Condolences may be sent to www.walkerobits.com