1918 ~ 2004
Dr. Quentin Ericksen Utley, age 86, has gone to see the folks on the other side. He departed this mortal life June 1, 2004, in Sandy, Utah, due to complications from diabetes.
Born May 6, 1918. in Sevier, Utah, to Ray and Maude Ruth Ericksen Utley, Quentin attended public schools in Sevier, Hinckley, Monroe, Richfield, Mt. Emmons. and Roosevelt. Utah, and graduated from Brigham Young University in 1940. He received the Ph.D. degree "with honors" from the University of Utah in 1960 in the area of educational administration.
Dr. Utley was a chemist two years at Geneva Steel Co., taught sciences and mathematics in Sevier and Granite school districts and in Rigby, Idaho. He was principal four years at Bonneville High School, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and was professor of education at Brigham Young University six years. From 1961 to 1977 he was director and administrator of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and of Research and Development for the Utah State Board of Education serving also as operational secretary for the Utah High School Principals Association and as a member of the Utah High School Activities Association.
Under Dr. Utley's leadership, Titles 1, 3, 4, 5, and other federal programs in education were begun and administered in the state. Numerous curriculum guides for Utah public schools were developed. High schools were evaluated, and the "middle school" plan for Utah junior high schools begun. New evaluation programs for elementary and junior high schools were introduced. For his lifetime devotion to public education. Dr. Utley is listed in the 1989-90 edition of Who's Who in American Education. Dr. Utley retired from the State Department of Education June 1977. Dr. Utley spent ten of his retirement years in St. George, Utah, and seven years in Sandy, Utah.
Quentin married Nonna June Peck Bown (his lifetime companion) June 14, 1940, in Provo, Utah, which was later solemnized in the Manti Temple of the LDS Church. He is survived by his wife of 63 years; son Brian Ray Utley (Jessica) of Orem, Utah; daughter Dian Alee Utley Nelson of Draper, Utah; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and sister Janis Phyllis (David) Cox: of Ogden, Utah.
Dr. Utley was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a high priest he served as stake mission president, member of a stake high council, and in other duties. He loved beautiful music, landscaped yards free of weeds, and an orderly office and household. He completed extensive histories of the "Utley Family in America," of his mother, his father, and himself, and of several progenitors who otherwise would be forgotten. He typed, photographed, printed, and distributed 700 copies of his Utley history book to many of the 3,000 descendants of his grandfather, Gabriel Marion Utley.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, June 5, 2004, at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah, where friends and family may call one hour prior to services. Interment at Richfield, Utah, city cemetery.