Lela Dawn Shelley

Lela Dawn Shelley (née Mower) | 1946-2025

Born on September 2, 1946, in Fairview, Utah, Dawn was the third of five children born to Ruel Lee Mower and Lela Caroline Cox. Her upbringing shaped the resilient, independent spirit that characterized her throughout her life.

More than anything, she loved being outside, developing a lifelong appreciation for nature and the simple joys of rural life. From an early age, Dawn demonstrated a strong work ethic, preferring to do chores on the family farm alongside her father to domestic duties. She liked to be included, going so far as to stowaway on one of his raspberry deliveries to town. He was quite shocked when the buyer pointed out the child riding on the rear bumper of the car.

Dawn met her future husband, Ivan J Shelley, in high school—while on a date with someone else. As if from a story out of one of her favorite romance novels, Ivan wasn’t deterred. They were going steady a week after meeting. Their courtship was briefly interrupted when Ivan left to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. While he was away, Dawn attended Snow College and later worked as a typist in Salt Lake City. They corresponded frequently during that time, and once he returned, they picked up right where they left off.

Dawn often traveled home from Salt Lake to Mountainville in the back of a friend’s old Volkswagen to visit Ivan. It wasn’t a smooth ride, but as she fondly recalled, “it was worth it.” In short order, Ivan proposed in his own charming way. “It was one of those glove box things,” she recalled, saying he never was a conventional romantic. She found the ring in the glove compartment, and that was all that mattered. They were sealed for time and eternity on July 15, 1966, in the Manti Temple.

Together, Dawn and Ivan built a life centered on family, faith, work, and service. They shared 57 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and the occasional teasing—mostly on Ivan’s part.

They raised eight children (they lost a ninth along the way) with early mornings milking cows, summers working the fields, Sunday dinners, a lot of Scrabble, crosswords, and chats around the fireplace.

Dawn had a gift for creating warmth, both emotionally and literally—she was an avid quilter who made blankets for her family, friends, and for humanitarian efforts. Her hands were always busy, whether with sewing, gardening, canning, or baking. She carefully tended her gardens and flower beds, growing and canning much of the food that supported her family. She had a particular fondness for cherry pies made from the tree in her front yard (when she could beat the magpies to the cherries) and was known for her homemade rolls every Thanksgiving. It should not come as a surprise to anyone close to her that Dawn did not bake anything with peanut butter, which was ostensibly her least favorite food. On one occasion she was spotted enjoying a brownie at a family function, but upon being informed that peanut butter was among the ingredients, she stated that she did not enjoy the brownie at all.

Mornings often found her walking county roads, enjoying the peace of the outdoors. On one memorable occasion accompanied by her (maybe a not so trusty) dog, Bandit, her walk took a wild turn when a badger lunged from the bushes and bit her on the leg. After being rescued by a good samaritan, Dawn bandaged her wound and drove herself to the clinic. She demonstrated this type of determination all her life.

Dawn’s sense of humor, practical nature, and selfless heart left an impression on all who knew her. She volunteered at the local museum, worked as a Teacher Assistant at the local elementary school, tutored children in after-school programs, and gave tirelessly in her community and church. She especially loved working with children in Primary and Nursery, and later served as a Relief Society President. She also served for two years as an institute missionary at Snow College and for six years as an ordinance worker in the Manti Temple alongside her husband, a service that brought her profound joy. Each morning she sat at the table, her scriptures open, red pencil in hand, demonstrating her devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. No one who knew her can say she did not give every effort to follow her faith.

Dawn Mower passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, at the age of 78.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan Shelley; her parents, Ruel Mower and Lela Cox; her brother, Gary Mower; and her son, Joshua Shelley.

She is survived by her siblings Charlotte Collard, Robert (Carol) Mower, and Pamela (Michael) Aime; her children Jeffery (Melanie) Shelley, Lisa (Michael) Lund, Randall (Chalyece) Shelley, Clayton (Stephanie) Shelley, Bradley (Jennifer) Shelley, Benjamin (Jennifer) Shelley, Thomas (Sarah) Shelley, and Rian (Jennifer) Shelley. She also leaves behind 35 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, each of whom she loved dearly.

Dawn’s life was one of stalwart faith, devoted service, and enduring love. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A viewing will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and again Wednesday, June 11, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Fairview (100 E and 100 N). Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment will take place at the Fairview City Cemetery. 

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