Coral Shurtz Terry died on February 20, 2025
She was born September 14, 1934, in Calgary, Alberta Canada. She was the youngest daughter of Rudolph and Maud (Romeril). She married Douglas W. Terry on April 14, 1954.
Coral grew up in Lethbridge, Alberta and graduated from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute where she captained the girls’ basketball team for three years. She also played ball for the St. Ladies Basketball Association for many years. While Doug attended Northern Montana College in Havre, Montana, Coral took classes as well. She worked as a medical transcriber at the Kenedy Deacons Hospital for three years while Doug completed his bachelor’s degree. She was selected to join the Northern Montana Singers and was a member of the Havre Choralaires and toured Europe with them in 1965.
The family moved to Utah in 1965, and lived in Orem, Spanish Fork and Salem. While Doug attended BYU, Coral worked as a medical transcriber at the BYU Health Center. Coral was the office manager for Drs. Robert Metcalf and Lyle Jacobs for ten years. She then spent twenty years as Sales Director for Caselle, Inc.
Coral was known and loved by her family and friends for her boundless energy and drive, her love for music, her quick wit and ‘can do’ attitude, and her charity in championing those she loved. Coral was an accomplished vocalist and donated many hours singing for weddings, funerals and church services. She was heavily involved in musical theater in Utah Valley. She had an inexhaustible thirst for beautiful things and fully enjoyed the many wonders provided on this earth by her Heavenly Father. She attended BYU and UVCC, always striving to increase her knowledge and expertise.
Coral was a devoted wife and mother to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served diligently in many callings. She was a generous and loving friend and persevered throughout her life with energy and dedication, enduring to the end with charm, optimism and love.
A light has left our lives that can never be replaced, a wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was a source of strength and love to her family. Her optimism, humor and beautiful spirit brought much happiness to everyone she met. Her selflessness and devotion to her family and friends were evident in all she did.
Coral is survived by her children; Brenda (Wyatt) Wall, Cameron Terry, Burkley (Karla) Terry, and Tanza (Jeremy)Thomas; 3 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great- grandchildren. Sister-in-law Pat Terry and Kent (Doris) Terry.
Preceding her death was her eternal sweetheart, Doug, her son, Rob, whom she has missed greatly, her grandsons, Justin Terry, Daryl Terry, her brothers Don J. (Merle) Schurtz, Royden (Alene) Shurtz, Byron (Nola) Shurtz and her sister Madeline Frazier, her mother and father, Rudloph and Maud Shurtz, her in-laws Archie and Muriel Terry, brother-in-law Don (Pat) Terry, Roger (Linda) Terry, Kathy (Bryce) Ellis.
At her request, a graveside service will be held Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:00 am, at the Salem City Cemetery where she will be laid to rest alongside our dad and her son Rob.
‘til we meet again, mom! We love you!
7 Condolences for Coral Shurtz Terry
Condolences(7)
Brent and Pat Petersen says
February 22, 2025 at 1:49 amWe loved being Coral’s ministers while she was at Legacy. What a talented and loving woman she was. We always enjoyed our visits with her. Last Sunday we visited her in the hospital and she looked so good and was so positive and so it was a shock to learn of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Stephen Terry says
February 22, 2025 at 11:46 pmCoral was loved by all of us here in the Great White North. She was always in a good mood and had nothing but nice things to say. I’ll miss her as an aunt (Spud/aka Steve) and Mom (Pat Terry) as well as my brother Dave will all miss Coral existence. The world is less one more precious soul, but she can be reunited with her beloved Doug and Robbie.
Pauline Quick says
February 23, 2025 at 3:11 amI enjoyed our friendship at Legacy Village in Provo. She was so encouraging and loving and kind. I will miss her so much.
Carole Balls says
February 23, 2025 at 10:19 pmOur family has a special place in our hearts for Coral. She and our oldest, Emily, had the same birthday. Every year, until she moved away, Coral would make a point of giving her something. It made our daughter feel so loved and seen. And she helped teach our activity girls how to play basketball! She was so quick!! I was quickly humbled as she told me to play defense against her.
Holly Cummins Ellis says
February 27, 2025 at 8:48 pmCoral was such a wonderful part of my childhood/youth memories. She and mom were such great friends. She and my dad such a great combination with her singing and his accompanying. There in my growing years, she was just like an aunt of my own blood. I still love the memories that grew from her and Doug’s love through so many years.
Terry (Shurtz) Clifton says
March 1, 2025 at 12:06 amI always loved being around Aunt Coral and enjoyed the few times we were able to spend with her. She and my dad Byron, always had a special relationship growing up (and growing old). She made everyone feel special. Her enthusiasm, her love for life and for those around her will always be a cherished memory.
Vickie Walker says
March 9, 2025 at 11:56 pmDear Brenda, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Sending hugs and Condolences for you and your family.
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