Delores Dawn Ipsen

Delores Dawn Terry, affectionately known as “Dawn,” our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed peacefully from this life on February 23, 2026, in Murray, Utah. Dawn leaves behind a legacy of faith, refinement, quiet determination, and deep devotion to family.

Dawn was born June 5, 1931, in Springville, Utah to Ira Lee and Eva Terry. Her childhood in the small farming community of Lake Shore was filled with simple joys, church activities, family closeness, and the security of being deeply loved. Those early years shaped her lifelong love of beauty, learning, and faith.

When her family moved to Provo, Utah, her world expanded. She distinguished herself early as a talented musician, becoming an accomplished oboe player and Drum Majorette for the 4th of July parade. She participated in school and community events and was crowned the first “Miss Liberty Belle” in Provo’s Fourth of July celebration — an experience her family never stopped celebrating. She graduated from high school in Provo and continued her education at Brigham Young University.

It was in Sun Valley, Idaho, that she met Glen Ipsen — a meeting that would shape the rest of her life. Their courtship led to marriage in March 1953 and the beginning of a devoted partnership that endured for the remainder of their lives. They brought five children into this world and partnered together to build a home centered on faith, hard work, education, and love. Glen’s employment took the family from Murray, to Montana, to Salt Lake, and eventually to Wheat Ridge, Colorado where they resided for over 20 years. Everywhere they lived, Dawn filled each home with music, learning, thoughtful order, and refinement.

Dawn was practical and disciplined. She believed in saving for the future, in continual self-improvement, and in surrounding herself with uplifting things. She had an artistic eye and a love for education that remained with her throughout her life. Her faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was deliberate and enduring. She served faithfully in many callings and loved the women she served and associated with.

In retirement, Dawn and Glen settled in St. George, Utah, where they enjoyed the beauty of the red rocks, warm winters, endless tennis matches, and continued church service. Dawn’s brother and his wife, Garth and Mary Lou Terry, lived around the corner from their St. George home. The combination of these two siblings living in proximity made St. George a favorite, treasured gathering place. Everyone loved to head south for an unforgettable weekend of delicious food, fun, and laughter.

Dawn will always be remembered for her life of service. Her ability to feed others was a work of art. She welcomed family and friends into her home and always fed them a beautifully prepared meal presented at an appropriately set table adorned with a flower centerpiece. She literally took it upon herself to follow the Savior in “feeding his sheep."

After Glen’s passing, Dawn came to live with family, remaining close to those she loved most. Her final months were spent at The Abbington, where she was cared for with kindness and dignity.

Dawn was preceded in death by her parents, Ira and Eva Terry, her sister Ila, and her brother, Orlyn. She is survived by her five children and their companions, Randy (Rosana), Terri Burton (Jeff), Kerwin (Cindi), Kamen, and Erin Madrigal (Rick), 20 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren, and brother, Garth. Each carries forward her example of faith, refinement, discipline, and devotion.

She experienced both joy and profound sorrow during her lifetime yet carried both with quiet endurance and remarkable faith. Her life was one of beauty, purpose, and quiet accomplishment. She fulfilled her measure with dignity and grace, and she leaves behind a family strengthened because she was here.

A celebration of Dawn’s life will be held on March 2, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens Chapel in Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held at 12:30 prior to the service.

A recording of the funeral service is available via the “Watch Services” link above.