Darlene Dalley Elliott

Darlene Dalley Elliott returned peacefully to the loving arms of our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 4, 2026, at the age of 72. She was born on February 3, 1954, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Dwight and Susie Dalley. A Hawaiian-themed Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on May 23rd from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Murray Park Pavilion #5.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dwight and Susie; her brothers, Lloyd and Ken Dalley; and many other loved ones she considered family. We can only imagine the grand celebration as she was reunited with them.

Darlene is survived by her husband, Dave Elliott, and four children: Alicia (Alan) Connell, Candice (Bryce) Curdie, Jeff (Bailey) Ridgeway, and Jared Ridgeway. She also leaves behind her five beloved grandchildren: Taylor and Dylan Curdie; Thystle, Jake, and Zac Connell; her grand-doggies Dexter, Wrigley, Luna, and Leo; her siblings Lynda (Legrand) Hatch, Myrna Kelsey, Franceen Thompson, Gloria Hatch, and Dan (Michelle) Dalley; and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

If you had the privilege of knowing Darlene, you were forever changed for the better. Being a mother, grandmother, and eternal companion brought her the greatest joy in life.

Darlene raised four incredible children (if we may say so ourselves) as a single mother. She was an entrepreneur and worked multiple jobs to make ends meet and never once complained. She accomplished so much, somehow making the impossible seem easy.

Darlene earned her teaching degree from Weber State University with high honors and graduated from cosmetology school with multiple awards. She taught kindergarten and dance. She also managed what we believe was the very best McDonald’s, at least during her tenure. She worked at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints distribution center. She also ran a salon out of her home so she could remain close to her children, and later managed a JC Penney salon. Through it all, she was always there for each of her children whenever they needed her. Each of us inherited pieces of her talents, grit, intelligence, and deep love for serving others.

Darlene faced many struggles throughout her life, yet she fought hard to overcome them. She was a true fighter and never gave up. She was a cancer survivor and endured many health challenges, but even during difficult times, she continued to put others before herself.

She was an incredible seamstress and lovingly made clothing for her children when they were young. She also donated countless bibs, burp cloths, and blankets to the Church storehouse. While we may not have fully appreciated everything she did for us when we were young, we have spent the years since trying to make up for it. Each of her children shared a unique and special relationship with their mom. She seemed to know exactly what to do in every situation, and we all depended on her guidance through life.

Darlene was also an amazing cook and baker. We often joked that she prepared enough food to feed an army. Feeding people brought her great joy. When you left her home, you did so with a full belly, a full heart, and enough leftovers to feed your own family for days.

She loved learning and was always trying something new, attending art and cooking classes, hosting game and craft nights. She was the ultimate party planner and made sure everyone felt welcomed, included, and seen. Even recently, she had been planning the next “Name That Tune” game night and had purchased a sourdough starter kit for an upcoming class.

Darlene had the most special heart and intentions in this life. Not a day went by when she wasn’t checking in on her community, family, or friends. Even in pain, she looked beyond her own struggles and found happiness in serving and uplifting others. Anyone who knew Darlene knew she had a gift for creating spaces that felt welcoming, safe, and full of love. She spoke with warmth and gentleness, and every action she took came from compassion, sincerity, and intention.

She wanted nothing more than to raise her children and grandchildren to honor who they were and to live authentic, loving lives. She touched countless people in ways she may never have fully realized.

From camping trips to birthday sleepovers, she was always planning the next opportunity to spend time with her family. Her greatest accomplishment, in her words, was the family she built and loved so deeply.

Darlene was blessed to meet and marry her best friend and the love of her life, David Elliott, on March 14, 2015. They took wonderful care of each other and loved spending time together playing cards and helping neighbors and friends with whatever they needed. Through David, we gained the best bonus dad we could have imagined, and we are deeply grateful for the love he gave our mom both here on earth and for eternity.

Darlene was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and lived as a devoted example of Christlike love. She served valiantly in many callings and found great joy in attending the temple whenever she was able. After each visit, she seemed to carry a special light and peace with her. We know she continues this work beyond the veil.

Though we are heartbroken and will miss her deeply, we find comfort knowing she is no longer in pain. She is whole, at peace, and reunited with loved ones who welcomed her home. We know the reunion they shared was a beautiful one.

We will forever feel the space her absence leaves in our lives here on earth, but we know she will live on in our hearts and continue watching over us as the guardian angel we have always known her to be.

We love you so much, our beautiful guardian angel. God be with you till we meet again.