Gaye Colleen Stevenson

Gaye Colleen Stevenson (née Mills), 83, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Born on June 28, 1942, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Gaye was the daughter of Bruce Ralph Mills and Stella Glada Mills (née Olsen).

Gaye pursued her education at LDS Business College before embarking on a career that would leave an indelible mark on countless lives. As the founder and dance teacher at Broadway Rhythm, she dedicated herself to teaching tap, jazz, and ballet to hundreds of students. Her passion for dance and her commitment to nurturing her students’ success both on and off the stage were evident in every class she taught. Under her guidance, her dancers achieved numerous accolades at competitions, including prestigious national awards. Beyond the trophies and recognition, Gaye’s greatest joy came from the lifelong connections she formed with her students, many of whom continued to stay in touch with her long after her retirement.

Outside of her professional life, Gaye found immense happiness in the great outdoors. She loved fishing and camping trips, always delighting in catching the biggest fish of the day, a feat she accomplished time and again. Family gatherings held a special place in her heart; birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays were treasured moments spent with those she loved most. Gaye and her devoted husband Darwin shared a deep love for travel, particularly their family trips to Newport along the Oregon coast. In later years, they enjoyed memorable cruises together to destinations like Alaska and Hawaii.

Gaye is survived by her beloved husband and best friend of nearly 66 years, Darwin, her loving sons Craig (John) of Houston, Texas, and Cory (Sue) of Sandy, her cherished granddaughter McKenna, and her dear sister S. Jeanne Brown (Kent) of Salt Lake City. She was preceded in death by her daughter Lori Gaye, son Troy Lynn, brother Bruce Mills, father Bruce Ralph Mills, and mother Stella Glada Mills.

Gaye’s warmth and vibrant spirit extended beyond family to all who knew her. Whether sharing stories with friends or creating memories with loved ones on special occasions, she brought joy wherever she went. Her legacy as a, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, mentor and friend will forever be remembered.

May Gaye’s memory bring comfort to those who mourn her passing and inspire gratitude for the beautiful life she lived. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A Viewing will be held on April 7, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM at Willow Creek 7th Ward, 2115 Creek Road Cottonwood Heights, Utah. A Funeral Service will be held on April 6, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 01:00 PM at Willow Creek 7th Ward, 2115 Creek Road, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Interment will follow the funeral service at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.