Stephen Christopher Ley

Friday, Aug. 01, 2025

January 22, 1966 ~ July 17, 2025

Stephen Christopher Ley, 59, of Saratoga Springs, formerly of Indianapolis, Indiana, transitioned peacefully from this life into eternal life on July 17, 2025. Stephen was surrounded by his most cherished family. He was a devoted and loving husband to Rhonda for over 33 years and a kind and caring father to Joshua and Christopher (Jolynn) Ley, both of Saratoga Springs. 

He was born on January 22, 1966 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is preceded in death by his mother Sandra Ley. Those left to cherish his memory include his father Glynn (Carol) Ley, sister Christine (Craig) Gibson and a host of other relatives and friends.  

Stephen graduated from Warren Central High School, received his Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University in aviation maintenance technology and his Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Stephen was a dedicated educator and innovator within the field of aviation science and the aerospace industry. Most recently, he was an associate professor at Utah Valley University, and served as the former department chair. His career spans notable institutions, including Kansas State University, Purdue University, American Trans Air Aviation Training Academy and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Stephen’s love for all things aviation also led him to work at Rolls-Royce North America and Greenwood Flite Center. Stephen was passionate about advancing aviation technology and served on countless boards of aviation-related organizations including NCAT, NBAA and ATEC.

Stephen was a proud U.S. Air Force Desert Storm veteran, serving from 1989 to 1992. While his military career took him to various parts of the world, he was an avid explorer and enjoyed his travels to places such as Singapore, China, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and many U.S. states. Stephen loved mountain biking, riding motorcycles, practice shooting and spending time with his family. He cherished volunteering with various groups such as the Utah High School Cycling League and NICA. Stephen was an active member of Saint John the Baptist Parish in Draper and served in the ACTS Group. 

A funeral Mass was celebrated on July 26, 2025 at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, Draper. Stephen’s interment ceremony will be on Saturday, Aug. 2 at 1 p.m., at Calvary Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stephen’s name to Utah High School Cycling League, Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church or the Huntsman Cancer Institute.