Betty Jean Jones

Sweet Betty's Life Story

"Our beautiful mother/grandmother/friend passed away peacefully from the world on December 19, 2023, at the age of 95 in her home in Heber City. Surrounded by her two boys, her granddaughter, her granddaughter's husband, her great-grandson, and a very dear and close friend.

Betty Jean Jones, a remarkable soul, entered the world on February 11, 1928, in the charming town of Burke, Idaho, to George Thorpe and Laverna (Burgener). Her journey began at three-weeks-old with a train ride to Heber City, Utah, leaving behind her father and 4 siblings, where she spent her formative years alongside her mother, aunts, and Grandma Burgener. This early adventure set the stage for a life filled with resilience, love, and a deep connection to her community.

In 1947, fate intervened at Chick's Café in Heber, where Betty, then working, encountered the charming Dick Jones. Despite initial teasing from him and the Fitzgerald brothers, a profound connection blossomed over time. The year 1948 marked a significant chapter when Betty and Dick went ice-skating at Vernon Park in Provo Canyon on February 8. Their relationship flourished, leading to a heartfelt exchange of vows on September 3, 1949.

Their union faced trials as Dick pursued plumbing school in Kansas City under the G.I. plan. Betty, steadfast and resilient, took up a job at a drugstore to support them. The absence of a car did not deter them; instead, they navigated life's challenges together, relying on bus rides. Amidst these trials, the family grew. Their four children, Craig in 1950, Curt in 1951, Scott in 1953, and Dixie in 1954, brought joy and strength to their lives.

The family's growth was accompanied by a poignant loss in 1955 – Betty's mother passed away just three months before welcoming Randy into the world. Through these trials, Dick remained committed to the family, dedicating 25 years to volunteer firefighting in Heber City.

Betty, an active member of the community, volunteered at the Daughters of the Pioneer Museum, participated in the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and served as a senior companion. She also hosted Bingo at the Senior Center, showcasing her dedication to fostering connections and joy within the community. Her commitment extended to various roles, including Sunday School, Primary, and serving as a den mother.

As the family pursued diverse paths, Dick supported Betty's involvement in church and community activities, despite not attending church himself. In the ensuing years, both Dick and Randy earned their plumbing licenses, working side by side for several years.

In 1981, Dick's health took a toll, preventing him from working. However, November 1984 marked a significant milestone as Betty spoke at Stake Conference, and Dick was ordained an Elder. The following January, they experienced another profound moment as they were sealed in the Provo Temple.

Tragically, on December 14, 1987, Dick passed away, leaving an irreplaceable void. The family faced another sorrow with the passing of their son Scott on November 13, 1999. Despite these heart-wrenching losses, Betty remained an active member of the Heber 7th Ward, finding solace in her family and the countless blessings bestowed upon her by her Heavenly Father.

Following Dick’s passing, Betty formed a close friendship with Glenna Dennett, who happened to be Randy's mother-in-law and had been a companion when Randy resided in California. Between 1988 and 1992, they embarked on joint journeys to visit their respective children and families. Subsequently, when Randy's family relocated to Utah, both Betty and Glenna undertook LDS missions. Betty served in Atlanta, Georgia, while Glenna served in Jacksonville, Florida. After their missions, the two reunited and began exploring the world together. Their travels spanned the entire United States, including Hawaii, parts of Canada, Jerusalem, Ireland, as well as various locations in Mexico, Belize, and Jamaica, among others.

Betty's life was a tapestry of diverse interests, including a passion for bingo, cowboy poetry, her collections including coins, lighthouses, angels, unicorns, word searches, puzzles, crocheting blankets, and crafting necklaces. All reflecting her enduring enthusiasm for life.

Betty's legacy is one of love, kindness, and dedicated service to everyone she encountered. Her passing in 2023 leaves behind cherished memories and a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to know her. Betty is survived by Sons, Curt and Randall; Daughters-in-Law, Diane, Char, and Susan; Half Children, Kae Atkinson and Valorie Thacker; 42 Grandkids, 89 Great-grandchildren, 44 Great-Great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by husband, James Richard (Dick) Jones; sons, Craig and Scott; daughter, Dixie; mother, Laverna; father, George; siblings, Roy, Emil, Helen, Blanche, and Ann; grandsons, Kristopher and Tyler; stepson, Dick; step-son-in-laws, Jay Thacker and Farrell Atkinson; grandsons, Tyson and Shawn. Betty will be deeply missed but fondly remembered as the ride called "Life" goes on.

This account, penned in September 2006 by Betty herself and added to by Betty’s granddaughter Kelsey in 2023, reflects on a life richly lived, a love enduring, and a family united through joy and sorrow. Betty Jean Jones, a beacon of strength and compassion, will be forever woven into the fabric of Heber City's history and the hearts of those who were privileged to know her."

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 9:30am-11:30am at the Heber 7th Ward (1365 E Center St Heber City, UT 84032). A funeral service is to follow at 12:00pm. Interment will take place at the Heber City Cemetery.

To stream the services, please visit:
https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/95895/hash:7E77A0C7585211F3