Kay Robert Ence, age 86 passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2017 in Pinto, Utah at his ranch. This was heaven on earth for him and mom for the past 33 years. He often said, "Ain't this livin'?" He was born on February 18th, 1931 (his dad's birthday) in Ivins Utah to Milo John and Lillie Tobler Ence who were one of the first 13 settlers in Ivins. Our Dad married his high school sweetheart, Doris Ellen Snow Ence in the St. George Temple on August 29, 1950.Dad was born and raised in Ivins where his family raised turkeys. He attended elementary school in Santa Clara and the remainder of his school years were spent at Woodward and Dixie in St. George. In his early years of marriage, he continued with the turkey industry and farming. From 1972-1994 he was employed by the City of Ivins. He did every job that you can think to keep the city running. He was well loved by all the citizens of Ivins because of his work ethics, honesty, friendliness, and integrity.On the side of his day jobs and his church responsibilities, Dad along with his brother Irvin was a farmer, rancher and cattleman. It was in these places that he taught his family the value of hard work. Dad worked from sun up to sun down on a daily basis. Mom was always supportive of dad and his endeavors. After their mission they lived in Pinto during the summer months where Mom worked by his side on a daily basis. On Tuesday, the day Dad past he was out working....doing what he loved to do.Dad served faithfully throughout his entire life in many church positions. He has served in bishoprics, as a bishop, and on the high council. Dad and Mom served a mission in the New Zealand Wellington Mission where they have made lasting friendships. For the past 21 years Dad and Mom have greeted the temple patrons as they came to the temple on Saturday mornings. Dad was a man of many talents. He could take a piece of dilapidated wood and turn it into a masterpiece. You have to know that his mainstays in these projects were bailing wire and gorilla glue. We sure hope heaven has it! Yearly Dad and Mom would gather the worn jeans from the entire family and create amazing pieced denim quilts. Dad was the designer of the fancy jean pockets and where they were placed in the quilt top. He would then "coach" mom on how to sew the quilt top together. Sometimes this could result in a disagreement. Dad was precise in helping mom get the tops on the quilting frames just right, Mom would tie, dad would roll and mom would bind. All of their kids and grandkids are proud recipients of these quilts. Dad was privileged to always be one of Santa's helpers. For many years he would keep the spirit of Christmas real for many family members and friends when Santa Claus visited. Dad loves the Christmas season. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the Ence home was and continues to be a beloved tradition and will live on in every one of us throughout our lives. Dad was a loving and exciting gift giver. Christmas is the best time of year. Dad is survived by his devoted wife Doris Ellen Ence, his children Doris (Steven) Leavitt, Marie (Randy) Hansen, Kalyn (Bruce) Gubler, Anreta (Wesley) Frei, Ruth (Steven) Roberts, Robert (Shelly) Ence, Lydia (Troy) Nelson and Linda Denetclaw (foster daughter). He is loved and adored by his 29 grandchildren, 61 great grands + (6 on the way). Don't you know we are always improving over the old stock as dad would say. He is also survived by his lifelong farming partner, best friend and brother Irvin (Betty) Ence, many brothers and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.He is preceded in death by his parents, his grandson (Jake Ence), his brothers Vendon (Gert) Ence, Afton (Afton) Ence and his father and mother in-law Harold and Lydia Snow.Funeral services will be Monday, October 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at the Ivins Main Street Chapel (15 N. Main) Ivins Utah. Viewing will be at the same location on Sunday evening, October 1st from 6-8 pm. and before the services on Monday from 9:00-10:30 am. Interment will take place in the Ivins City Cemetery. Dad as you keep, "Ain't this Livin" in heaven we will keep "Ain't this Livin" on earth.See you around dad. Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary. Friends and family are invited to sign Kay Ence's online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com.