Dawn Mitchell Callister

Dawn was born on August 19, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Donald B. Mitchell and Irene Jones Mitchell, in the home that belonged to her great-grandparents, Benjamin T. Mitchell and Catherine Jensen Mitchell. Dawn grew up in Salt Lake City, where she graduated from West High School and then attended classes at the University of Utah and Stevens-Henager Business College.

Dawn married her high school sweetheart, Dean P. Callister on February 17, 1953. They were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. She then joined Dean in Olympia, Washington, where he was serving in the US Army. After eighteen months, they returned to Salt Lake City and settled in the Rose Park area. Dean and Dawn then moved to Bountiful, Utah in 1975 and remained there for the rest of their lives.

Dawn worked in several capacities throughout her professional career, including positions as a secretary for the Engineering Dept. at the University of Utah, secretary at American Express, and Executive Secretary for the state of Utah, starting at the Fire Marshall's office, then the DFCM, and finally retiring from the Office of Risk Management.

She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held many callings, including Primary teacher, Sunday School teacher, and Relief Society instructor. She also served as the YWMIA president in her Rose Park and Val Verda wards. Later in life, she and Dean served LDS missions at the St. George Visitor's Center and Historic Sites Missions and at the Centerville Dry Pack Cannery.

Dean and Dawn were very social and enjoyed many activities together, including participating in two Stake Dance Clubs and the Beehive Roamers chapter of the Good Sam's RV Club. Dawn was a longtime member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and served as Camp Secretary for more than four years. 

Dawn spent her leisure time reading, doing crossword and picture puzzles, and crocheting layette sets and many, many blankets for family members. She and Dean loved animals and had many dogs and cats (and guinea pigs!) over the years.

Dawn is survived by her seven children; Colleen Clifford, Janet (Brit) McConkie, Reid (Kelli) Callister, Lori (Steve) Tuttle, Bonnie (Brad) Hardy, Melissa Callister, and Aaron (Jan) Callister; her 24 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren, 15 great-great-grandchildren and her Jack Russell Terrier, Toby. She was preceded in death by her wonderful husband, Dean Callister, grandson Todd Clifford, and her beloved Pomeranian, Oliver.

A viewing will be held from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Russon Mortuary, 295 No. Main, Bountiful. Funeral services will be held on Saturday January 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the LDS Chapel located at 2633 S. 50 W., Bountiful, Utah with a viewing from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM prior to services. Burial at the Bountiful City Cemetery.