Jane Reese Besendorfer

Jane Reese Besendorfer returned home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, October 29, 2017 in her home in Charleston, Utah surrounded by her family. She was 78 years old. Jane was born on August 26, 1939 in Mammoth, Utah to Eldon Layton Reese and Venna Allman Reese. She was the oldest of eight children. Jane spent most of her growing up years in Springville, Utah. She graduated from Brigham Young University in 1961 in Elementary Education and received her Master’s Degree in Recreation Education in 1964. She taught school in Mesa, Arizona; Spanish Fork, Utah; Salem, Utah; Springville, Utah; and Midway, Utah.

Jane met her eternal companion, John Noah Besendorfer, on the dance floor at a LDS Sociables dance. She was the best dancer there. They became eternal dance partners on December 30, 1964 in the Salt Lake Temple and were happily married for 52 wonderful years. They are the parents of seven children including a foster son. They welcomed many people into their home over the years and showed love and kindness to all who entered.

Jane had many talents and interests that she enjoyed. She loved to do family history work each week with her brother, Paul. She enjoyed quilting, reading, and watching BYU football even when they lost.

Jane was a very hard worker. She grew up on a farm that had 600 chickens where her parents taught her the value of work. Then when she got married, she and John ran a dairy farm. Even when her son took over the dairy farm, she continued to get up every day at 3:00 am to help milk the cows. She worked side-by-side with her husband on the farm for 40 years never complaining of the hard work. She and John also worked together in giving tours of their antique museum that they worked to put together for many years.

Jane loved to serve people around her - especially her family. She looked for opportunities to show love everywhere she went. She made 16 loaves of bread each week for many years to share with her family, friends and neighbors. She made many meals and did many acts of service but preferred to receive no recognition for what she did.

Jane was a member of the LDS church and had a strong testimony of the gospel. She lived a life dedicated to the Lord and kept her covenants. She was a great example of all that a disciple of Christ should be. Jane held many positions in the church including Relief Society President, Primary President, Young Women’s Counselor, and as nursery leader for 11 years. She and John served a church service mission to the LDS Church History Library.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents Eldon and Venna Reese, an infant daughter Julie Besendorfer, her brother Don Reese, and a grandson, Chad Roy Talk. She is survived by her husband John, her children: Mary Jane (Karl) Larsen of Mapleton, Utah; Christine (DeVaughn) Guymon of Charleston, Utah; Diana (Byron) Horner, of Heber City, Utah; John David (Heather) Besendorfer of Charleston, Utah; Jenny (Cade) Osborn of Erda, Utah; and Roy (LaVay) Talk of Provo, Utah. She is survived by 30 grandchildren with one due in January and 3 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Wayne (Beverly) Reese, John (Launa) Reese, Paul (Sharon) Reese, Dale (Rachel) Reese, Brent (Diane) Reese and Loralee (Scott) Holt as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

A viewing will be held in her honor Friday, November 3, 2017 from 6 to 8 pm located at the Charleston Church house located at 3450 South 3500 West Charleston, Utah. Friends and family may also attend a viewing prior to the funeral on Saturday, November 4, 2017 from 9 to 10:30 am at the same location. The funeral will be held at 11 am. Burial will be in the Charleston City Cemetery.

We are happy that Jane is now free of pain and suffering and is reunited with many of her loved ones who have gone before. We rejoice in the knowledge that families can be together forever made possible through the atonement of Jesus Christ.