Raymond Leon Balentine

Ray L Balentine, 56, of Smithfield Utah took his final ride on Friday night November 21, 2025. Ray was born on July 24, 1969 in Denver, CO to Ray L Balentine Sr. and Connie Trujillo.

Ray grew up in Denver, CO and attended George Washington High School. It was in Denver that Ray found his love for bikes. It started with BMX bikes and setting up jumps in front of the house with his younger brother Jeff. He quickly moved on to motorcycles and became a mechanic, following in his Dad’s footsteps. These were passions he would carry throughout his life. Ray moved to Salt Lake City, UT in 1991 and met Kelly Arbon and her two children Kassi Johnson and Tyler Balentine in 1993. Ray immediately assumed the role of father and accepted both kids as his own. Kelly and Ray were married in Oahu, Hawaii on Valentine’s Day in 1994. In a wonderful plot twist, it was Kelly that proposed to Ray! Shortly after being married, they had their first child together Spencer Ray Balentine. The next year, they welcomed Kimbree Lee Balentine into the family.

They all lived in Salt Lake City until Kelly passed away in 2001. Ray and the kids remained in Salt Lake City until 2006 when they moved to Smithfield, UT and Ray began working as the Service Manager at Bridgestone/Firestone. When they arrived in Smithfield, they rented a house for a few months before buying their “forever home”. Ray was so proud they finally had a place that was all their own. During his time working as a Service Manager his son Spencer began working with Ray and became a mechanic as well. Ray was incredibly proud of Spencer. In 2016 Ray was able to retire and become stay-at-home papa. Spencer is now Co-Owner and Service Manager of the shop they ran together. Ray met Shelly Bingham and her two children, Chelsie K. Bingham and Jessy Terrell Bingham in 2009. They dated for several years while navigating the challenges of blending two large families. Ray immediately fit right in with the Cronquist family. They became the “Brady Bunch” of Cache Valley. They all shared a love of the outdoors, Razor riding, snowmobiling and parties up the canyon. Ray and Shelly dated for several years and were married in December of 2017.

He was known for his tough exterior, but anyone who truly knew him understood he had a soft, tender heart. He lived life the way he wanted. Bold, rowdy, unapologetic. Yet he carried a gentleness that showed up in the way he hugged, the way he checked in on the people he loved, and the way he shared music, jokes, and moments that made others feel seen. He was happiest when he was in motion: riding his Harley, turning wrenches, playing golf and watching the Denver Broncos. He also loved taking his kids to Lagoon, haunted houses, and movies, and finding fun wherever he went. Even when he struggled with pain, he always showed up “all in,” if his family was by his side. He took enormous pride in the things he cared about. His shoes were always spotless, his Harley shirts perfectly pressed, and his cars and bikes shining. He had a natural love for engines, tools, and the shop he poured so much into. He smelled like leather, motor oil, and hardworking days — scents his family will never forget.

He was imperfect, human, loving, complex, and deeply cherished. His children will forever carry his grit, humor, and heart within them.

Ray is survived by his wife Shelly Bingham and his children Tyler Balentine, Kassi Johnson, husband Todd Johnson of Sandy, UT; Spencer, his wife Megan and their son Owen Balentine of Logan, UT and Kimbree Balentine and fiancée Travis Peterson of Magna, UT, Ray is also survived by his bonus children Jessy Terrell Bingham, wife Kellsey Bingham and their children Sailor & Swayde; Chelsie K Bingham and grandson Easton Shulsen, all of Smithfield, UT. He is also survived by his brother Jeff Balentine, wife Michelle Balentine of Denver, CO and his sister Patty Green-Silver and husband Kent Silver of Taylorsville, UT.

Ray is proceeded in death by his Sisters, Kathy Pearson and Debbie Dubbeld and his Brother Jim Waters.

In lieu of flowers or gifts the family encourages donations.

America First Credit Union                                                                                                                                                                                      Account #: 49137169

Venmo                                                                                                                                                                                                                              @Shelly-Balentine

Cache Valley Mortuary (Funeral Expenses)                                                                                                                       cachevalleymortuary@gmail.com                                                                                                                                                                                     435-787-8514

Mental Health Organization of your choice in honor of Ray L Balentine