Colleen Later

Colleen Later, age 91, passed away on 7 February 2026, in St. George, Utah. She was born 30 April 1934, in Cedar City, Utah to Clynn LaNor and Rilla Hall Davenport. She married Ralph Wilford (Bud) Later, in Yuma Arizona on 20 July 1951. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Los Angeles California, LDS Temple on 22 August 1956. Colleen had a great faith in God and His love for us. She served in many capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Music Director, Young Woman’s President, Relief Society President and Temple Patron. Colleen tenaciously followed her passion for art and graduated from Utah State University with a Maters of Fine Arts degree on 3 June 1978. Her specialty was floral art and sculpture. Her work has been shown in galleries throughout the United States. She was one of Utah State University’s Flying Professors. She frequently flew to Eastern Utah to teach art for the University Extension Service. She was Gallery Director for the Alliance for the Varied Arts (AVA) in Logan Utah. She was a Gallery Director/Owner in Charlottesville, Virgina and St. George, Utah. Additionally, she taught Watercolor and Sculpture at Central Oregon Community College. Colleen was a passionate advocate for education. Although she dropped out of high school at a young age, she worked tirelessly to complete her university degrees while raising seven children and helping her husband in his businesses. Colleen was a lifelong learner. She continued her artwork daily until the last month of her life. Her artwork, honoring God’s wondrous creations, is scattered in many homes and public places. She donated several paintings for auction benefiting Hurricane Katrina victims in 2005. Many of her paintings and drawings are cherished gifts to her family and friends. Her husband Bud Later, preceded her in death on 13 October 2015. She is survived by her children, Debra Murray of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Ralph Timothy Later of Eagle Mountain, Utah, Linda Kemer of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Laura Delis of St. George, Utah; Jack Later of West Jordan, Utah; Stacy Beus of Nibley, Utah; and Don Later of Bountiful, Utah. Her living siblings are Betty Gubler of Tehachapi California and John Davenport of Mega, Arizona. She has twenty-six grandchildren, sixty-six great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents Clynn and Rilla Davenport, and three siblings Vance, Shannon, and Alvin Davenport. Colleen was the oldest of her family. Our family would like to thank Bristol Home Hospice, and Brighton Hospice, Doctors, Nurses, CNAs, Friends, and Family including sweet Mercedes Diaz, each has helped care for Colleen over the last two years. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday February 17, 2026, at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2850 South 1000 West, Nibley, Utah. A viewing will be held at 9:00 am on the same day/place. Interment will be at the Logan Utah Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to share tributes online at www.SerenityStG.com.

Colleen Later

April 30, 1934 - February 7, 2026