Dorothy May Dailey

Heaven rejoices while Earth mourns the passing of Dorothy May Darbro Dailey. Dorothy finished her earthly ministry on Monday, March 9, 2026. Her death certificate will say that she died of complications from congestive heart failure, but those who know her realize that she died of a broken heart from the loss of her loving husband, Alan Ray Dailey whose birthday she was looking forward to celebrating the very next day. We believe she wanted to be the first to wish him happy birthday and she wanted to do it in person.

Dorothy was born November 22, 1936, and grew up in Provo, Utah and was a proud graduate of Brigham Young High School. She was always a hard worker and liked to get her heartbeat up. She loved to roller-skate (ask a family member about it), square dance, walk, and ride bikes. She often talked about odd jobs that she did growing up –picking beets, childcare, and collecting bottles–that all paid “$0.05 an hour.”

Dorothy met Al, her sweetheart, while working at the Utah Trade Tech when he was sent to work on the time clocks and she was assigned to escort him. His boss and her boss secretly played match maker–and it worked. They were married civilly on April 10, 1964, and then sealed for time and eternity in the Manti Temple April 11,1965.

Dorothy was incredibly “thrifty” but our lives were still full of heart. She managed a very tight budget throughout her life. Many of our clothes were homemade and hand-me-downs were simply part of life. She was also quite the quilter; almost everyone in the family still has a quilt made by Grandma Dailey. Nearly every summer Saturday was spent in the mountains cutting wood to prepare to heat the house with our wood burning stove in the winter. She also saved money by making powdered milk instead of buying “real” milk. An apple tree and a peach tree she received from her daughter, Jackie, gave her fruit to can, and the apple tree became an epic jungle gym for the entire family.

The best part of her frugality was her hearty homemade bread. It was the most delicious thing ever, and her homemade raspberry freezer jam made it even better! Her careful saving set a powerful example and ensured that anyone who came into her home never went without.

Dorothy also had a special love for the little piece of earth surrounding her home. Her yard was more than soil and flowers—it was a reflection of the care she poured into everything she did. Each spring she lovingly planted flowers of every color, carefully tending them with patience and quiet dedication. Through sunshine, rain, and many hours of faithful care, those flowers flourished and brought beauty to everyone who passed by. The bright blossoms seemed to mirror the warmth she carried within herself. Just as she nurtured her garden, Dorothy nurtured the people in her life—with kindness, attention, and a heart that was always willing to give. Her flowers brightened the neighborhood, but it was her generous heart that truly made the world around her more beautiful.

Dorothy loved her family with all her heart. That love extended not only to her immediate family, but also to in-laws, dear friends, and the many ancestors she felt connected to. She enjoyed supporting her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren at scouting events, sporting activities, dance recitals, plays, church gatherings, and so much more. She “required” a big hug from any family members coming or going from her home … or anyplace else that she met them.

Dorothy spent most of her life doing genealogy and researching her ancestors. Her knowledge, stories, and pictures of ancestors was incredible. She had a story about an ancestor for almost any occasion. We are sure that extended family are lined up to meet their loved one who cared so much to learn about them in person.

Dorothy’s big heart extended beyond her family. It was big enough to welcome and support anyone from longtime friends to ward members and neighbors old and new. She was the unofficial greeter in the Midvale Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that she attended. She especially liked to introduce everyone to her favorite games including: Ticket to Ride, Hand & Foot, Ten’s, and Splendor.

Dorothy was very particular and she put her heart into everything she did. You might say that there was only one way to do things…”Dorothy’s Way.” And she would let you know if you didn’t do it that way and she would not give up until it was done “right.” This could be disconcerting to people who didn’t know her well; however, Dorothy’s love and friendship would almost always win over people’s hearts.

A heart filled “Celebration of Life” for Dorothy will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 8350 South Jackson Street, Midvale UT 84047. The family is excited to have people who loved Dorothy share short, heartfelt stories about her.

A grave-side service for family and close friends will take place on Monday, March 30, 2026 starting at 9:00 am at the Provo City Cemetery located at 610 S State St, Provo, UT 84606.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her Kenneth Valentine Darbro (father), Lois Bray (mother), Alan Ray Dailey (loving husband), Jay Dee Darbro (brother), Kenneth Ross Dailey (son), Scott Darrell Curtis (son-in-law), Mitchell Curtis (grandson).

Dorothy is survived by her children and their spouses: Jacalyn Curtis, Janette Barlow Dailey, Russell & Shelly Dailey, Anthony & Marisol Dailey.

She is also survived by her grandchildren and spouses: Bryan & Shanalyn Curtis, Malinda Curtis & Robert Thompson, Carina Curtis & Cory Nicholes, Amanda & Dustin Ward, Rachael & Gavin Goodwin, Benjamin & Melissa Dailey, Crystal Roxburgh & Dave Poole, Ryan & Nicole Barlow, Landon Barlow, Madeline & Nigel Ramoz-Leslie, Andrew & Lexi Dailey, McKay Dailey, Preston Dailey, Elijah Dailey & Jenny Center, Xavier Dailey, Rafael De La Cruz & Danae Tavarez, Miguel & Ashley De La Cruz, Jean Mary Brito Diaz.

Dorothy was also fortunate enough to know and love many great-grandchildren including: Edyn, Lucas, Aliana, Grayson, Addisen, Cameron, Chandler, Kennedy,Cairo, Lincoln, Audrey, Jefferson, Luke, Lucy, Maxwell, Daphnee, Arabella, Cajah, Blakelynn, Colsyn, Atalia, Rainelys, Johanna, Rafael.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention a few really important (but not all) friends: Mary & Noel Olsen, Andrea & Stan Lloyd, Jean & Gary Fillerup, Jean & Art Bentley, Andrea & Jeff Bird, everyone who lives on Van Buren Street, the FHE Group, and the many other dear friends and neighbors who were an important part of Dorothy’s life…You all know who you are!!!

Mom, Grandma, Friend - You will be in our hearts forever!!! We Love You…”This |------------| Much!”