Jerold Ottley

Dear JoAnn and family, I was so sad to hear of Brother Ottley's passing. As a student at the University of Oregon, I was so blessed to have him as my Book of Mormon teacher at the Institute of Religion and my Music for Elem. Ed. majors on campus. He was so positive, kind, knowledgeable, interested in others, humble, and oozing with talent. It was an honor to know the Ottleys during that time. What an example of love and devotion to one another, too. Bless you all! Love, Alice Henderson...

JoAnn,
We hope you are doing well.
We were sad to hear of Jerry’s sickness and passing. You two were always such a great team! May your memories of your lives together sustain you now.
Much love,
Gary and Louise Nelson

He was always in the background of my life. Early on there was a performance of “The Abduction Out Of the Seraglio” in the basement of the Pioneer Theatre with Ardean Watts at the piano and at least one Ottley in the cast. I was absolutely delighted with that performance. I was in choruses in the University music department from time to time. I was in a temporary program to use early computers to train music students with a computer that could perform any music that could be composed with...

JoAnn,
Along with many others, I am saddened at my friends mortal demise. We shared some fun times in Millcreek and at Granite together. He will be missed by a large gathering of friends. Jerry and Laury will be leading a grand choir of angels now together!
You have come a long way from good old Poplar Grove Ward and Edison days. I recall those days with fondness. May your parting be softened by an assurance of a coming sweet reunion. Many years have slipped by since...

What a great man who inspired me musically and spiritually. We’ve known JoAnn and Jerry for over 50 years and our paths have crossed during that time numerous times, mostly in musical venues. We will miss Jerry and will pray for JoAnn and the family that this great loss at such a trying and unusual time will be be bearable and that the Holy Spirit will sustain them. Judd and Sharon Sheranian

I had the opportunity to sing under Brother Ottley’s direction even though I was never in the Tabernacle choir. He visited the LDS Institute of religion in Ogden, UT when I was in the Institute choir. I’m sure it was a spiritual event but what I remember most was when he lead us in a hymn or two. He was such an inspiration for young Latter-day Saints who love the performing arts.

I was blessed to sing in the Tabernacle Choir at the end of Brother Ottley's tenure as director. It was always a pleasure to sing under Jerry's leadership. His musicianship was always terrific, and I learned a lot from him. In particular, he always brought a great spirituality to the rehearsals, performances, and tours. Brother Ottley truly left a great legacy for us as choir members and also for the Church in general. My sympathy to JoAnn and the family.

We all loved Jerry as conductor of the Choir. He upheld the highest standards, and was a very kind and spiritual person. I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to sing under his baton. JoAnne was the most gracious lady, and the best vocal coach. My eldest son said his Music 101 class with Jerry Ottley was his favorite class. Our sympathy and love to JoAnne and her family.
Colleen and Dave Newman