William Jay Dalley

William Jay Dalley

Gunnison, Utah

William Jay Dalley 93 of Gunnison, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, mentor and friend passed away on January 4, 2020 in Centerfield. He was born March 18, 1926 in Beaver, Utah to William Sylvanus Dalley and Betsy Violet Wilden. He married Della Rasmussen March 28, 1946 in the Manti Utah Temple. They were married for 53 years before his sweetheart passed away. Together they raised 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls.

Jay started out his life living with his family on his grandfather’s farm in Spry, Utah. A number of years later his family moved to Beaver. At the age of 13 his family moved to Gunnison. Jay graduated from Gunnison Valley High School where he served as student body president in 1944. He played basketball and ran track where he received many awards. Right after high school he was invited to play basketball at BYU. He played at BYU for one year. The following year he was a starting guard for the Snow College basketball team. Later he graduated with his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Utah State University. He taught Vocational Agriculture at Juab High School.

Jay was also an avid farmer. He and his brother Melvin farmed together for many years. They raised wheat and alfalfa along with raising sheep and cattle.

Jay was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many different callings. A couple he enjoyed were Scout Master, and teacher of the Temple Prep class for the Nephi Utah Stake. The fulfilling part of this calling was he was able to watch many families go to the temple and be sealed as a family. He also served as one of the presidents of the 70’s Quorum in the Nephi Utah Stake. Through this service he helped the 70’s Quorum farm produce a profit and they were able to send money to the missionaries.

Survived by his children; Ron (Sue) Dalley, Gunnison; Brent (Rosalyn) Dalley, Venice; Merilyn (Eric) Hedelius, Manti; Terilee (David) Hutchings, Spanish Fork; 18 grandchildren with one granddaughter currently serving in the Cincinnati, Ohio Mission; 33 great-grandchildren with 3 more on the way. Preceded in death by his parents; wife; sisters: Alberta (Clyde) Hoopes and Mary Leona (Max) Frampton; brother, Melvin Willden (Dorothy) Dalley.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 12:00 Noon in the Gunnison Stake Center, 80 West Center. Viewing will be held prior to services from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Gunnison Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com