Karen Gae Terry

Karen Gae (Rowley) Terry passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025. Gae was born into a loving home on May 30, 1955, to Paul and JoAnne Rowley, the fourth of six children (Paula, Shauna, Terrie, Gae, Dave, & Glen). Gae did well in school and was involved in school and church activities throughout her school years.

While attending Kearns High School, she met Steve Terry and dated through their Senior year. Following their high school graduation, they were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on September 5, 1974. Steve and Gae started their family the following year with the birth of their first child (Heather) and added four more beautiful children (Brenda, Ryan, Lynnette, and Brett) to their family. Gae was a devoted mother and wife, making her family her number one priority. Whether helping her children with schoolwork, getting them to and from their sports and church activities, she was always there to teach and support her children.

The hallmark of Gae's life was her service to others. She was always there to help those around her. She created many friendships with those she cared for. As her own children grew and left to start their own families, she was restless at home with few things to do anymore. So, she decided to become a foster mom. For over 15 years, Gae and Steve became host to over 75 children, giving them the love, nurturing and care they so desperately needed. They became part of their whole family. The children that came to them instantly had Aunts, Uncles, and cousins to bless their lives. Among Gae's many accomplishments, she was selected as Foster Mother of the Year by the Utah Foster Care Foundation.

Gae was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints her whole life. She served in many capacities in the Primary, Relief Society, Young Women, and Sunday School including leadership and teaching positions. Her current calling was the Secretary in the Young Women Presidency and loved so much the sisters she worked with and the young women of the ward.

One of her cherished moments was the drives she took with Steve. She enjoyed the peace and comfort of riding in the car and going to many wonderful places. Enjoying each other's company was a way to leave all the hectic events in life behind for a short time and to enjoy each other.

However, her biggest joy was her family. She loved her five children, their spouses, her twelve grandchildren (Hailey, Curtis, Jessica, Sophie, Natalie, Emma, Morgan, Lila, Opal, Malcom, Lucas, & Patrick), and was an active part in their lives. She never missed an opportunity to be with them, at a family dinner, at their birthdays, on the soccer field , musical and theatrical performance, grandma play dates, or vacations. We will all miss her terribly, but we know that she is at peace, and we will rejoice with her again.

Coming this July, she would have welcomed her first great-grandchildren from her granddaughter Hailey. She was so excited about this event. Now she can be with them and send them off to her parents with love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and JoAnne Rowley, a sister, Terrie Rowley, and two brothers, Dave and Glen Rowley with whom she is now rejoicing with. Gae lived a full and wonderful life and will be missed by all who knew her.

There will be a viewing on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, April 14, 2025 ~ 11:00 a.m. at the 2nd Ward Chapel, 5775 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Utah, with a second viewing prior to services beginning at 10 a.m. 

Interment, Valley View Memorial Park, 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah.

Those who wish to livestream the service may do so at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/99241071111?pwd=5qMA0M30DGHvlc4kxglaX12mSkntwY.1