Clara Dawes

Clara “Bunny” Buhler Parry Dawes

Clara “Bunny” Buhler Parry Dawes passed away peacefully on October 13, 2026, in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, after a long battle with dementia. She leaves behind a family spanning generations and a lifetime of memories filled with laughter and love.

Born in Salt Lake City to Orson E. and Florence McAllister Buhler, Bunny grew up surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply. Her love for her parents and siblings was evident throughout her life, and the importance of family remained at the center of everything she did. She graduated from West High School in 1952 and began her working life at James Lunch Cafe. Over the years, she also worked at Holy Cross Hospital, LDS Hospital, and Brown Floral where she was a switchboard operator before retiring from American Express where she worked in telecommunications logistics. She was also a loyal member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

On February 5, 1955, Bunny married Billy M. Parry, beginning a life together that would grow into a family of five children: Robin, Cheryl, Sandra, Billy, and Connie. Their life together was marked by the joys and challenges of raising a family, and they faced one of life’s greatest challenges side by side as they both battled cancer. Bill sadly lost his battle with cancer in 1993. On December 2, 2002, Bunny married Howard Dawes. The two adored each other and created many cherished memories together until Howard passed away on November 5, 2005.

If there was one thing Bunny knew how to do, it was make life more fun. She was full of personality, quick with a joke, and never afraid to say something a little outrageous. Her humor was unforgettable—and sometimes best remembered rather than repeated in polite company! Bunny had a way of making people laugh and bringing energy into any room she entered.

Family gatherings were rarely ordinary when Bunny was involved. She loved a good celebration and could turn a holiday into a full-blown production, complete with costumes, dancing, and a performance that gave everyone something to talk about. Her Halloween and Christmas parties and annual Easter egg hunts became treasured traditions for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. These were more than parties; they were opportunities to bring everyone together, create lasting memories, and remind her family that time spent together was something to celebrate.

Although Bunny endured a long battle with dementia, the essence of who she was never disappeared. The memories she could recall may have changed, but her spirit, personality, and ability to light up a room remained. Even at her memory care residence, Bunny continued to be the life of the party. The staff who cared for her saw that same spark and joy that her family had known and loved for decades. She left a lasting impression on those who cared for her, and she will be deeply missed by them, too.

Bunny enjoyed bowling and cross-stitching, but her greatest joy was always her family and friends. She had a special gift for making people feel welcome, included, and loved. Whether through a laugh, a dance, a thoughtful gesture, or simply her unmistakable presence, she made an impression that lasted. Her adventurous spirit and positive outlook helped make even ordinary moments feel special.

Those who loved Bunny will remember her infectious smile, her quick wit, her dancing, her optimism, and the way she could make a room come alive. Most of all, they will remember the love she gave so freely and the traditions, stories, and laughter she leaves behind. Her family will carry those memories forward, sharing them with the generations who will continue to know and love her through the stories told about her.

Bunny is survived by her children, Robin Parry (Anthony), Sandra Dow (Dave), Connie Boyd, and Billy Parry (LeeAnn); 23 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orson E. and Florence McAllister Buhler; her sisters, Betty Pender, Joan Childs, and Charlotte Densley; her brothers, Bob, Ray, and Jay Buhler; her husbands, Billy M. Parry and Howard Dawes; her daughter, Cheryl Gahley; her grandchildren, Christopher Webber, Trina Gahley, and Stacey Gahley; and her great-grandson, Patrick Jesse Avent Jr.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Valencia of Cottonwood Heights and Cascade Springs Hospice for the kindness, compassion, and care they provided to Bunny and her loved ones.

A viewing will be held Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Chapel, 4760 South State Street, Murray. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 26, at 11:00 a.m. at the same location, followed by burial at Redwood Memorial Estates.