Casandra Telleson Costley's Obituary
Casandra “Cassie” Costley (39) now shines down on us from Heaven, reunited with lost family, friends, and beloved dogs. Cassie entered this world on July 10th, 1986, born to Alyson Draper and Douglas Telleson, already full of light, laughter, and joy. She was the happiest baby. We called her “Doodles” because she woke so happy every morning, like a rooster.
From a young age, Cassie was vivacious and magnetic, spreading happiness wherever she went. Her smile was beautiful, contagious, and unforgettable. As a cheerleader at Snowcrest Junior High and again at Weber High School, she lifted others. She never stopped cheering people on. It was simply who she was.
Cassie attended both Weber State University and Stacey’s School of Cosmetology. She had a remarkable gift: not only could she help people look beautiful on the outside, but she also had an ability to help them see the beauty within themselves.
Cassie’s dream in life was to be a mother; her most proud accomplishment and driving force was to be Annika’s mom. She also chose to follow her Grandpa Draper’s legacy and pursue her love of travel. Alongside her Aunt Angela, she created unforgettable memories around the world through cultivating travel experiences for others as well as herself. Before she passed, she was excited to tell Aunt Angela that she was going on a trip to somewhere that Angela hadn't been before.
Cassie shared a deep and devoted love with her husband of 21 years, Preston Costley. Preston was truly Cassie’s soulmate—they fell in love quickly, grew up together, and were blessed with their beautiful daughter while living in Wyoming.
Cassie lived life fully. She loved running, hiking, traveling (of course), camping, boating, and most of all, spending time with her family. She generously shared her story with the world in hopes of helping others. Cassie was profoundly selfless—she served, uplifted, and saved more lives than she ever knew.
In the latter half of 2024, Cassie bravely faced a diagnosis of Stage IV colorectal cancer. She met it with courage, grace, and her signature sparkle, fighting with strength and humor until the very end. She shared her story far and wide, hoping that her misfortune would save others. She received messages on social media that she did, including a member of her immediate family, who had early detection that undoubtedly saved their life. She succeeded in helping others, and it brought her joy during such a trying time in her life.
Cassie is deeply missed by her husband, Preston Costley, their daughter, Annika Costley, and her parents, Alyson Draper and Doug & Betsy Telleson. She is lovingly remembered by her siblings, her bestest friends: Amanda Jones (Joshua), Derek Telleson (Samantha), Ainsley McColley, Alexsis Clark (Steven), Michael McColley (Aly), and Ethan. She cherished her in-laws, Reed & Launa Costley, and their children: Christyn Lundquist (Stephen) and Cameron Costley (Sheelena). Cassie also adored her sixteen nieces and nephews, loving them as her own children, and she carried that same boundless love for everyone in her life—family, extended relatives, and countless friends, including those whom she never met through her beloved online community.
Cassie was joyfully welcomed into Heaven by her grandparents, Gloria & Jay Telleson and her Grandpa Kent Draper, as well as her grandparents-in-law, Grandpa & Grandma Costley and Grandpa & Grandma Lofgreen. Many of her dogs will also be delighted to greet her: Jack, Shasta, Tasha, Kaani, Belle, and Chewy.
You are welcome to join the Costley and Telleson families in a Celebration of Casandra. Viewings will take place on Friday, January 23rd, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM and Saturday, January 24th, from 9:30 to 10:40 AM, followed by a Celebration of Cassie’s life from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting house located at 6500 E 1900 N, Eden, UT 84310. For those unable to attend the funeral services in person, a Zoom broadcast has been made available: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85290159223
Meeting ID: 852 9015 9223
Cassie’s funeral arrangements will be handled by Premier Funeral Services of Salt Lake City. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery in Eden, Utah, looking out over the Valley she loved.
To celebrate Cassie, please wear the fancy dress you never wear, the snazzy jacket, the comfy running shoes, or the crazy high heels. Get out the fur coat; if it’s a Hawaiian shirt that makes you happy, it would make Cassie happy, too.
What’s your fondest memory of Casandra?
What’s a lesson you learned from Casandra?
Share a story where Casandra's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Casandra you’ll never forget.
How did Casandra make you smile?