Helen Bailey
Dyreng
1921 ~ 2010
Our dearly beloved Helen Bailey Dyreng, 89, passed away peacefully July 3, 2010 at her home in Manti, where her family lovingly cared for her.She was born in Sterling, Utah on April 30, 1921 to W. H. and Maggie May Peacock Bailey. She enjoyed a happy childhood in Sterling before moving to Manti where she participated in High School activities and dramatic productions and continued those pursuits at Snow College and in the community.
She married R. Morgan Dyreng in the Manti Temple on June 21, 1941. They were blessed with 60 years of companionship and service to their family and fellowmen. He preceded her in death in 2001.
She was the founding director of the Manti Mormon Miracle Pageant which has influenced an estimated four million people in its 44 year history. In 1987 she was named the Utah Mother of the Year and has been a much sought after speaker to audiences far and wide regarding strengthening home and family.
She served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as ward and stake Relief Society president, was the ward and stake Young Women president, was a beloved teacher, temple ordinance worker in the Manti and Provo Temples and as a scribe to her stake patriarch husband. She was revered for her deep beauty, artistic touch, elegant entertaining, handmade quilts, beautiful writing, rolls and canning the abundance of Morgan's garden.
She received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Snow College and served as the Alumni President. She contributed tireless energy and talent to every endeavor. She was a lifelong member and past president of the Manti Ladies Literary Club, was given the 2003 Woman of Achievement Award, the Sweetheart award with Morgan from the Ephraim LDS Institute, the Community Christmas Candle for her lifetime of service, and an honorary life membership in the Sanpete Community Theatre. She taught at Manti Jr. High before her children were born and after the children were raised, was a cashier at the Manti City Bank.
She is survived by children Margaret D. and Stephen Nadauld, Douglas and Valerie B. Dyreng, Marilou D. and Thomas Myers, and infant son, David (deceased) and Michael and Jan Eddleman, foster son. There are two granddaughters and 15 grandsons who are all college graduates and served missions; 45 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Friday, July 9, at 1:00 p.m. in the Manti Tabernacle with a viewing at the Tabernacle on Thursday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 and again on Friday morning 11:00 to 12:30 prior to services. Interment will be in the Manti City Cemetery. Funeral Directors, Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guest book www.maglebymortuary.com