Dawn Albretsen Connerley, 60, beloved wife of Richard Dennis Connerley, loving companion of 40 years, died peacefully May 21, 2007 of Lou Gehrig’s disease.

She was born January 13, 1947 in Logan, Utah, daughter of Boyd C. and Lelia Nielsen Albretsen. She was part of the first graduating class of Sky View High School.

Dawn married the love of her life for time and all eternity in the Logan Temple, January 20, 1967. They had a very special relationship. Richard has a passion for music and with Dawn’s love of words, she provided the lyrics which filled their home with song. Together, they were one…and will be once again.

She was an active member of the LDS church and served faithfully in many callings, touching those with her gift of speaking and teaching. Dawn loved completely, making friends with the lonely and showing compassion to those in need. She had a passion for cooking, reading, painting, poetry, and cheering on her four daughters. She cared deeply for her grandchildren and so enjoyed spending time with them.

Surviving are her daughters: Kaylyn (Eric) South of Roy; Krystal (Brett) Gilbert of West Jordan; Kara (Matt) Sanders of Hyrum; and Rebecca (Spencer) Barlow of Littleton, CO; and 8 grandchildren.

Also surviving are three sisters: Linda (Lennis) Christiansen of Hyrum; Michelle (Scott) Gittins of Amalga; Gale (Paul) Head of Afton, WY; two brothers: Raymond (Margo) Albretsen of Bay City, MI; Michael (Dal) Albretsen of Gilbert, AZ; and her mother, Lelia Nielsen Albretsen of Hyrum.

Preceding Dawn in death was her father.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 26, 2007 at the Smithfield 12th Ward Chapel, 640 North 200 East. Friends and family may call at the church Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Hyrum City Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family online at Nelson Funeral Home.

The family wishes to thank the many friends and neighbors for their loving support. As well as Alpine Home Care and Hospice, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and University of Utah medical staff for their assistance during the last few months. Gratitude is also expressed to the many students Richard enjoyed teaching at Hawthorne Junior High, the Smithfield 12th ward Relief Society and Priesthood for their selfless acts of service.

May we all keep the eternal perspective on life.