Shawnalee Kotter Riley

Heaven gained an angel Thursday, July 17th 2025, when Shawnalee Kotter Riley returned to her heavenly home after an extended battle with several health issues. Born May 2, 1970 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Kenneth Phillip Kotter and Darlene Woolsey Kotter Bairett, Shawna's gift to live each day to the best of her ability, was always put to practice. Even on the dark and heavy days, she endeavored to find ways to make others giggle, smirk, and full on gut laugh with her wit, sass, charm, and compassion. Regardless of the debilitating pain and physical limitations she faced daily, her contagious laugh and smile alone could brighten any room previously full of gloom and hardship.

Shawnalee is the second oldest of nine children and grew up in Davis County, graduating from Woods Cross High School in 1989. Everyone acquainted with her knew of her deep love and tender feelings for children, so it's no surprise that among the highlights of her life, her role as a nanny and nursery leader tower far above her many adventures. In addition to her love for children, no one could doubt her love and devotion to God which motivated her desire to serve as a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Rochester, New York mission in 1992. April 27, 2001, Shawnalee married Robert Martin Riley in the Salt Lake Temple, later divorcing but remained beloved friends to this day.

She found joy in the simple things, cherishing relationships above anything else. Dear ones could always count on a handwritten card expressing gratitude for any gift received or time spent with her. Crafting and dressup were a pleasant distraction from the discomforts of her temporal body and she was always creating. If she didn't have a project in the works, something always laid ready in a nearby tote or table. She had the best luck at games, especially bowling and Bingo! She always won Bingo games, insisting she never cheated…(though the gleam of mischief in her eye sure made one wonder). This cheerful lady especially loved holidays and glitter, always leaving a sparkle of life wherever she went. It was not uncommon to find her donning a festive scarf, tshirt, necklace and flashy earrings to match the festive décor of her room and her ever reliable chariot (aka wheelchair). She sure loved decorating that speedy chariot and kept a trusty satchel to store (or hide) treasured sweet or salty treats! She had the best hiding spots for her sweets and would giggle like a kid at Christmas when hiding spots were discovered, yet she never hesitated to share sweets with visiting friends. Boy did she radiate fun and joy!

Shawnalee is survived by her mother, Darlene Woolsey Kotter Bairett, Kristy Leffler, Paul & Melissa Kotter, Joe & Misty Kotter, Dan & Andrea Kotter, Sarah & Wayne Jolley, Alisha & Todd Parry, Rachael Kotter & Carmencita Totua, Jessica Kotter, Rick & Crista Bairett, David & Bonnie Bairett, Brian & MaryAnne Bairett, Steven Bairett, Pam & Douglas Thomas, Valana Bairett Suarez, Sierra Bairett, beloved aunts and uncles, many nieces and nephews, as well as cherished friends such as Bob Riley.

Shawnalee was preceded in death by her father, Ken Kotter; stepfather, Richard Bairett; sisters: Heather Kotter & Ileana Bairett; grandparents: Donald & Lillian Woolsey, Phil & Dorothy Kotter, Helen & Milo Cazier, and Mildred & Frank Bairett.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 25, 2025 at Russon Mortuary, 295 N Main St., Bountiful, Utah, where a viewing will be held from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment - Bountiful City Cemetery.

Special thanks to her caregivers at Monument Health Taylorsville, Sunridge Assisted Living, North Canyon Care Center, Paramount Rehab, City Creek Rehab, and the many doctors and nurses at U of U Medical Center and IMC Hospital for their loving care and devotion.

In honor of Shawna's memory, we invite you to share your light, gifts, and talents through service to uplift and edify others.