Kay Knowlton

Donna Kay Knowlton (Shelton), known as Kay, age 76, returned home to her Heavenly Parents on October 21, 2025, after a courageous struggle with a combination of cancers for the past two years. Kay was born on January 26, 1949, in Ogden, Utah, to Don Ray Shelton and Ethelyn Maurie Murdock. She was named Donna in honor of her wonderful father, Don. Kay was a cherished daughter, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Kay’s early years were spent in Tacoma, Washington, and Simi Valley, California, before her family eventually returned to the Ogden area. She was raised in a loving home with her wonderful parents, her sister, Diane, and brother, Rick. Kay attended Bonneville High School for part of her sophomore year, then transferred to Ben Lomond High, where she shone as a Bonnie Lassie on the dance/drill team, serving as president and participating for two years. After graduating, she pursued higher education at Weber State University, earning an Interior Design degree and a Bachelor of Science in Family Life and Child Development with a minor in Psychology. After college, Kay began working as an interior designer, a career that spanned 17 years, including time at Tribes Interior, Crawford & Day, and Ethan Allan Carriage House.

Kay’s life was anchored in family and faith. She met the love of her life, Scott George Terry, while working at Tribes Interior. They courted for a year and then Scott served three years in the United States Navy. After Scott concluded his naval service, they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on April 21, 1979. Kay was filled with joy two years later when their beautiful daughter, Amber Kay Terry, was born. Kay cherished the miraculous experience of motherhood.

Although they continued to love each other, Kay and Scott faced some mental health trials, which unfortunately led to divorce. Through those trials, her testimony remained strong. As a single mother for eight years, she devoted herself to working tirelessly to provide for herself and her daughter.

Kay later found love again, getting swept off her feet by Kevin Franklin Knowlton, whom she loved dearly and married in the Salt Lake Temple on May 10, 1991. Kay was thrilled that this new union also brought four wonderful sons from Kevin’s first marriage. She enjoyed the laughter and shenanigans the boys brought into their home and the quality time they spent together for a month each summer, and at Christmas time. The nostalgic stories will live on forever. Together, Kay and Kevin left their established careers and went back to school to become teachers. Kay went on to teach first grade for nearly 30 years in the Davis School District. She taught primarily at Vae View Elementary and Ellison Park Elementary. Kay loved her students like they were her own, and they loved her dearly. Kay’s classroom was a fun, joy-filled place for her students to excel and grow, and they did! Kay loved teaching and spent two summers teaching English to teachers in China. She adored the people and their culture!

Kay loved surrounding herself with beautiful things and enjoyed collecting artwork and jewelry from cultures all around the world.

Kay and Kevin remained close friends with Amber’s father, Scott, up until his passing on January 2, 1999. After 28 years together, Kevin tragically passed away on September 22, 2019.

Kay found solace in attending the temple and spending time with friends and family. She especially enjoyed going on adventures with her granddaughters.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Ethelyn Shelton; her first husband, Scott Terry; her second husband, Kevin Knowlton; a stepson, Aaron Knowlton; and her brother, Rick (Maxine) Shelton.

Kay is survived by her sister, Diane (Lou) Brown; her daughter, Amber (Corey) Jensen; three stepsons, Ford (Emily), Gabe, and Clark Knowlton; and ten grandchildren, Kirsten (Christian) Miller; Whitney, Emily, Katelyn, and Charlotte Jensen; Edsel, Moses, Phinehas, and Goldie Knowlton; John Knowlton; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Huntsman Cancer Center, specifically Dr. Erin Ward, Dr. Heloisa Soares, and Dr. Nicole Orgain; Annette, Nicole and the entire team at Applegate Homecare & Hospice; Dr. Karsen Delgado at Integrative Health Group; Pete Zeigler at Senior Compass; David Stevenson and Debbie Hudman at Stevenson Smith Hood Knudson; and Rachel & Jared at Lindquist for their devoted and caring service. You are angels and your contribution was invaluable! We could not have navigated this difficult time without your expert guidance. A special thank you to the members of the Sunset 5th ward for your incredible love for Mom during the past 44 years. The countless hours of charitable service you rendered to our mom and grandma will forever be in our hearts!

A celebration of life will be held on November 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Sunset 5th Ward at 2431 North 250 West, Sunset, Utah 84015. In accordance with her wishes, Kay will be cremated. Her remains will be laid to rest at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary.

Kay’s legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in the hearts of her family and friends until we are reunited in the presence of our Savior.”

Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist's Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah.