In Memoriam
UMTA has been blessed to have many great members throughout the years. Inevitably, the time comes when some of these members pass away, often leaving a great legacy behind with family members, students, and with our UMTA family.
As we are made aware of these individuals, we will post the information we receive here, with links to their obituaries when possible.
Please contact one of the website chairs if you are aware of a UMTA member’s death.
2026
Paula Marie Stuart, a member of the Salt Lake Chapter, served in counterintelligence for the U.S. Army in Germany during the Cold War, where she met her husband, Alvin Louis Stuart. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Relations from Brigham Young University.
A Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, Paula taught piano from her own studio for more than 40 years, specializing in young children, including many with special needs. She played a key role in developing the Achievement in Music (AIM) program, the official evaluation curriculum of the UMTA, and continued as a member of its board until her death. She also volunteered for the Jordan River Chapter of the National Federation of Music Clubs.
Paula will be remembered for her fierce compassion, generous heart, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. She filled her children’s lives with music, books, and wilderness adventures; instilled in them a love of learning; and taught them to approach problems with ingenuity and resourcefulness. She was a source of advice, encouragement, and steadfast support to her family throughout her life.
2025
Helen Smith Rabe learned cello and piano alongside her 12 siblings. A gifted musician, she directed hospital church services for over 40 years, played cello at countless community and memorial events, and shared her talents on a European tour. She taught cello, violin, and piano in her home, instilling a love of music in her children and grandchildren—each grandchild receiving a violin, lessons, and a dollar for practice. A beloved teacher at Ogden High and Weber State and known as a bridge builder, Helen leaves behind a legacy of faith, music, and family.
Joyce Patterson Brown passed away just two days apart from her husband, Elden, after 73 years of marriage. Elden, a skilled violinist and trumpeter, played in orchestras and choirs for decades, including nearly 30 years with the Westminster Community Orchestra. Joyce was a devoted piano and organ teacher whose influence reached hundreds of students, often teaching more than 50 at a time. She was beloved for inspiring excellence and sharing her talents as ward, stake, and choir organist. She served as President of the Salt Lake Chapter of UMTA, and with her twin sister, Janyce, organized hymns for the current LDS hymnbook. Together, Elden and Joyce built a home filled with music, faith, and enduring love.
2024
Gerald Rich “Skip” Daynes’ legacy was music. In particular, Steinway Pianos. It is said that he sold more Steinway Pianos than any other person in history. He had a passion for the arts, music in the schools, and civic responsibility. He was an avid supporter of the Utah Symphony, Utah Opera and Ballet West. He was the major sponsor of the Gina Bachauer Piano Competition and the Moab Music Festival. Both likely would not exist without Skip’s patronage. Skip generously supported UMTA functions, including providing Steinway pianos and Daynes facilities for competitions and performance evaluations. Skip’s Grandfather opened up Daynes music store, which was the oldest retail business in Utah and the oldest Steinway piano dealer west of New York City. Skip has personally been involved with musical art organizations throughout the state. He felt that music is therapeutic, and is the foundation of every city. He helped numerous schools obtain pianos. “He seldom broke even, but put those tools and resources into those schools, so students could be more successful!”
“Skip was somebody that loved people, loved the arts, loved music, and that is a wonderful combination.” “It’s easy to make a living, but it’s tough to make a difference. Skip Daynes made a difference every day of his life.”
Maria Passon Epperson, NCTM, was affiliated with Oklahoma Music Teachers Associaiton, Music Teachers National Association, Utah Music Teachers Association, and The National guild of Piano Teachers. Her students participated in Achievement in Music through her UMTA Ogden chapter. Her students hae competed in piano festivals and competitions with some receiving full scholarships to prestigious colleges. She served as a judge for piano competitions and the Guild. She organized a women’s choir that performed throughout Tulsa during the Christmas season and organized and conducted a choir to perform handel’s Messiah. Maria was a member of the Ogden UMTA chapter.
Myrna B. Fenton was a classically trained musician. She went on to share her talents as a teacher of voice and piano in career that lasted more than sixty years. She taught and inspired young artists to share their love of music. throughout her life, she seemed to always run into students and families that she had taught. She was pleasantly surprised when one of her last doctors’ face lit-up at her first visit. She smiled and informed Myrna that she had taken piano from her for 12 years as a young girl. Myrna was a longtime member of the Ogden Chapter of UMTA
2023
Barbara Elison was a beloved music teacher for over 70 years. She was loved for her kindness and known for her talents as a pianist, accompanist, and teacher. She accompanied many organizations throughout northern Utah including the Utah Valley Opera Association. In 2013 Barbara received the UMTA Legacy Award for her wonderful years of service. Barbara was a member of the Provo/Orem chapter. Barbara Elison’s obituary
Morris Franklin Lee enjoyed a life filled with a passion for music. As a graduate of Julliard School of Music, he enriched many lives through his service as a teacher, mentor, and friend. Among many acknowledgements of his talent for teaching, Morris received both Teacher of the Year and Educator of the Year awards from Granite School District and was loved by all his students. He was a member of the Davis chapter. Morris Lee’s obituary
Richard Bruce Wursten (Dick) passed away on July 2, 2023 at the age of 85. His life was filled with music from a very young age. He earned a Master’s Degree in piano at the University of Illinois and his PhD in Music History the University of Wisconsin. He served many with his musical skills here in the states as well as abroad. Dick Wursten was a long time member of the Bridgerland chapter and will be missed.
Dick Wursten’s obituary
Betty Jean Beecher enjoyed a life filled with family, friends, and music. Her lifelong love for music came from her dear mother. Over the years, Betty has blessed the lives of countless students with her extraordinary talent of teaching piano; her gift lives on through them. Betty was an active member of the Bridgerland Chapter. Betty Jean’s obituary
2022
Marla Gault taught piano throughout her adult life, guiding students until the very end. For decades, every December on Beethoven’s birthday, her students would perform while family and friends indulged in homemade butter cookies, spiked eggnog and laughter late into the night. She had been a member of UMTA/Sandy Chapter. Marla’s obituary
Sally Jan Lindsay Sanders sang and played the piano from an early age; it remained her life’s work and comfort. She taught piano and touched the lives of many others through her love of music. Sally Sanders was a long-time member of the Sandy Chapter. Sally’s obituary
Carolee Gale Eriksson, a music inspiration, returned to her heavenly home on Monday, May 30, 2022. Her legacy of joyful living and musical appreciation lives on in her family, hundreds of piano students, musicians, and music teachers inspired by her throughout the world. Carolee Ericksson was a beloved member of UMTA-Davis Chapter. Carolee’s obituary
2021
Gary “Professor” Amano, age 73, passed away unexpectedly in his home on December 23, 2021.
He was a master musician and pianist whose profound and pure love for teaching touched the lives of countless students and individuals throughout the community and world.
Gary’s lifelong commitment to music was driven by a rare and selfless dedication to his many students. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy will continue to impact generations to come. Gary’s obituary
Dr. Diana Page – Ogden Chapter
Diana’s obituary
Elaine Holbrook – Davis Chapter
Elaine’s obituary
Dr. Lynn Dean, former UMTA President (2008-2010), passed away July 23rd after 3 weeks of fighting complications due to Covid19. He contributed so much to UMTA and all he taught and with whom he had association.
His legacy of always bringing Crispy Creme donuts to every UMTA Board Meeting, along with his jokes and light-hearted personality will be sorely missed by all of his friends and colleagues throughout UMTA, the State of Utah, and New Mexico where he left an equally strong legacy.
“On through the fog, Kimosabe!!” Read Lynn’s obituary here.
Dr. Bonnie Winteron, was a long-time member of UMTA, and was on the piano faculty at the University of Utah.
Bonnie’s obituary
Ellen Baggaley, UMTA member from the Sandy chapter passed away recently on August 15, 2021.
Ellen’s obituary
Janet Mann, UMTA member, recently passed away due to a massive heart attack after complications with a Delta variant of Covid that broke through her vaccination. Janet’s obituary
Long-time UMTA member, and past president of the Salt Lake Chapter, Marlene Hill passed away August 21, 2021.
Marlene’s obituary