Obituary of Edward Adams Dalton

Edward Adams Dalton passed away on July 28, 2013 in Prescott Valley, Arizona after a long illness. He was surrounded by many of his loving family during the last few days as he approached this “graduation,” as he called it. He was born on July 22, 1935 in Parowan, Utah to goodly parents, Harley Warren and Luella Adams Dalton. He was the youngest of nine children and will be remembered fondly by his family as a true “family sparkplug” often taking the lead at reunions and family activities. His parents and each of his siblings have preceded him in death. He spent most of his early years living in Parowan, Utah where he learned to help out on the family farm. He loved his hometown of Parowan and returned there often for visits after high school, but he was determined to pursue a career path in Dentistry. He was persistent in following this dream and worked extremely hard to make it through college and dental school. He married his sweetheart, Marilyn Bladen of Cedar City, Utah on June 24, 1958. He attended Northwestern University and graduated in 1960 with a DDS degree. He then served a 2 year stint in the Indian Health service in Wolfpoint, Montana. In 1962, he moved his young family to Prescott, Arizona to open a dental practice and pursue his dream. He and his wife, Marilyn, had happened upon Prescott while traveling through, and fell in love with this beautiful town. He practiced dentistry in Prescott for 37 and a half years and loved every minute of it. In time, two of his sons, Russel and Tony followed him in this career path and joined him in practice. He retired from dentistry at the end of 1999 moved back to his beloved Parowan. While there, he acquired the historic home his grandfather had built in 1889 and restored it. This home was a family heirloom, as each of his siblings had also been born there. Edward also loved the 100 year-old apple orchard his grandfather had planted on the property. Edward was a wonderful father and husband and truly loved his family. Edward was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints throughout his life and he served in many capacities such as Bishop of the Prescott ward, and Stake President for the newly created Prescott, Arizona Stake from 1969- 1978. He also served with Marilyn as full-time missionaries for the church in the New York City North mission living in the East Bronx for 18 months. He was always happy and courageous in his service and loved to share his zeal for the Lord with those who he met. He and Marilyn endeared themselves to many people in this rather diverse and totally urban, foreign place to them as they fulfilled a life-long dream. He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn, sons Russel E. (LaDawn) of Prescott Valley, Arizona, Paul B. (Dede) of Canton, Michigan, Tony J. (Juli Ann) of Prescott, Arizona; daughters, Janet Bates (John) of Warden, WA, Jolyn Butterfield (Derek) of Riverton, Utah, Juli Olson (Bryan) of Woodland, Utah, Jenifer Miskin (Russell) of Greenville, South Carolina and Chelita Pate (Roger) of Orem, Utah; also his niece who became like a daughter, Melody Medina (Omar) of Mexico City, Mexico; 38 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren as well many extended family members whom he loved. He also will be fondly remembered by several foreign exchange students who attended Prescott High School and lived in his home for a semester or a school year during the’90’s. Funeral services will begin on Thursday August 1 with a viewing from 7 to 8:30pm at the Ruth Street LDS Chapel Relief Society room and continuing Friday morning August 2, from 9:30 to 10:45am. The funeral service will follow on Friday August 2, at 11:00am at 1001 Ruth Street . There will also be a funeral service in Parowan, Utah on Monday August 5at the Parowan Stake Center with a viewing at 10:00am and service following at 11am. Graveside internment will follow at the Parowan City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to organizations that assisted the family in his care--Parkinson’s Support Group, New Horizons Adult Care Homes, Prescott Valley Adult Center and Hospice of the Pines.