Darrel & Kathleen Tureson

Darrel P. Tureson (83) finished climbing his mountain with the Savior on June 8th, surrounded by his loving family. One week later, his beautiful wife, Kathleen Marie Tureson (84), followed him home. They always called each other "the love of my life and the life of my love" — and for more than sixty years, they meant it every day.

Darrel was born in Delta, Utah, and raised by his parents, Grady McEvoy and Clara Gyndel Prestwich McEvoy. A gifted athlete, he spent his summers working alongside his dad in the desert, building the remarkable work ethic that would define him. He discovered his greatest passion in coaching, investing years at both the high school and collegiate levels in the lives of young men who never forgot him. That same quiet, steady determination meant Darrel could figure out and fix nearly anything — a gift he gave freely to everyone around him.

Kathleen was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and raised by her parents, Roy Holderman Fergusson and Marian Carver Fergusson. A talented artist and gifted seamstress, she found her calling in teaching, spending her career nurturing young minds with patience and warmth. Kathy had a rare and precious gift: she could always find the one — the child who needed to be seen — and reach them. Everyone who came into contact with her left knowing they were loved.

Their story began at Utah State University, where Darrel walked into a little store, bought an orange popsicle from the beautiful girl behind the counter. Shortly after, they attended a Harlem Globetrotters game together, and the rest, as they say, is history. They were sealed in the Logan Utah Temple and became inseparable. Together they raised three children — Michael, Mark, and Wendy — whom they loved and supported in everything they did.

In retirement, Darrel and Kathy filled their days with purpose and joy. They became USU Master Gardeners, served for years in the Ogden LDS Temple, and volunteered at This Is the Place Heritage Park — where, by all accounts, they made the most charming pioneers anyone had ever seen. They rarely missed a grandchild's activity. At the remarkable age of 73, Darrel earned his Black Belt in karate, becoming an inspiration to every person who trained alongside him. Kathy channeled her artistic gifts into card-making, crafting beautiful, handmade cards that showed how much she cared.

Six years ago, they returned to Cache Valley — back to where it all began — and settled in Nibley. Neighbors grew accustomed to the sight of them in their front yard, holding hands and waving at every passerby. In their final years, they devoted themselves to caring for each other, a quiet and daily testament to the depth of their love. Jesus Christ was the center of their lives, and they lived in faithful imitation of His example — loving and serving everyone they met.

They were preceded in death by both of their parents and Kathy’s siblings, Roy Jr., Carole Giles, and Diane Hatch.

They are survived by their children Michael (Jamie), Mark (Cami), and Wendy (Kevin); their grandchildren McKenzie (Calvin), Keegan (Tess), Conner (Haylee), Emrey, Kaleb (C'enna), Mia, Josie, Mira, and Ryker; and their three great-grandchildren, Tristan, Mariner, and Morley.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the remarkable team at Community Nursing Services — especially Marci, Samie, and Melissa — and to the compassionate staff at the Gossner Cancer Center.

Because time with people they loved was what mattered most, the family invites all who knew and loved them to an open house memorial:

Saturday, June 27th · 3:00–6:00 p.m. Nibley 9th Ward Meetinghouse 2825 S 1000 W · Nibley, UT.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.com.