Marilyn Pickett Gallaway

Our beautiful wife and mother, Marilyn Pickett Gallaway, passed on to her next adventure surrounded by her family on February 14, 2026. She loved parties and the color red, so it was only fitting that Valentine's Day would become her special day to be remembered. She had been battling Alzheimer's and dementia for the last eight years. Even though our hearts are broken, we find peace in knowing she is finally free from this terrible disease.

Marilyn was born on April 26, 1952, in Gunnison, Utah, to her parents, Verda E. Turnbow and Standley Theron Pickett. Marilyn entered this world with some health challenges. The doctors were not sure she would survive, but with great care and support from her family, she overcame those challenges.

Marilyn loved acting and singing. She was involved in many plays and singing groups until her health began to decline. She even participated in a USO tour, performing for our troops overseas.

Marilyn loved to teach and taught for over 40 years, making a difference in the lives of so many students. She had a great sense of humor and deep knowledge of the subjects she taught. Her greatest concern was that her students would use the skills they learned throughout their lives.

Marilyn received her associate's degree from Snow College and then went on to earn her bachelor's and master's degrees from BYU. During this time, she met Ben Gallaway, and after a long romance, they were married on August 28, 1981, in the Manti Utah Temple. In the years that followed, they welcomed three wonderful children into their family.

Marilyn loved people, traveling, and her Savior. She could go anywhere and make a new friend. She was great at planning trips and truly enjoyed seeing the world. She served an LDS mission in Leeds, England. She held many church callings and was a faithful member. She was always quick to point out her blessings to her family.

Marilyn was smart, generous, and thoughtful. She and Ben owned their own business, Park View Crafts, for many years. Together they made beautiful ceramic and porcelain figurines by hand. Marilyn was always helping others and thinking of their needs. Quite often, she would simply show up with something someone needed or a gift to make you smile. She was the best grandma, always planning activities for her grandchildren and, of course, never forgetting the ice cream.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Ben Gallaway; her children: stepdaughter Anjeanette Mitchell, son Kenneth Gallaway, daughter Andrea (Cory) Smith, and son Mathew (Harlie) Gallaway; and six grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Kae (Larry, deceased) Munger, Hal (RaDene) Pickett, Lynn (Kathy) Pickett, and Kim (Kaye) Pickett; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 6:00-8:00pm at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S Redwood Road Taylorsville Utah. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 11:00am at the Taylorsville Heritage Park Stake Center, 4505 Brians Way (3420 West), West Valley City, Utah, with a viewing held prior at 10:00-10:45am.

Interment will follow at the Gunnison City Cemetery.

We would like to thank Canyon Home Hospice and nurse Veronica for their compassionate care.