Betty LaJune Bouck Stewart, 85, passed away peacefully in her home on February 28, 2021. LaJune was born on March 25, 1935 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
LaJune grew up in Salt Lake except for a short time during WWII when her family lived in Pocatello, Idaho. After completing school, LaJune worked as a governess in Washington D.C. where she met a handsome young Army officer, Gordon Stewart. They were married in the Manti Temple in 1957. Gordon went on to get a PhD, after which they returned to Washington D.C. with their boys where Gordon did research for the Department of the Interior. Later, they accepted a professorship at the University of Massachusetts and the family moved to Amherst. They lived there until Gordon’s passing in 1976, when LaJune returned to Utah to be close to family.
LaJune filled her time working with her hands. She was meticulous--she had handmade creations for every occasion and purpose, uniform vacuum lines were always present in her carpet, her yard was maintained with exactness, and her daily schedule was impeccably consistent. Her grandchildren recall a sleepover at grandma’s always meant a precise bedtime that was preceded by the 10’clock news (or Lawrence Welk) while grandma “put her hair up” sitting on the living room floor. She was a gifted seamstress--bell-bottomed leisure suits made for her sons, blessing outfits for her grandchildren, and countless other pieces will be long-remembered. LaJune shared her talents teaching others to sew and craft, and as the owner of a ceramics shop in Holladay for a time. She mastered the culinary arts of the 60s and 70s and loved sending visitors away with a baked treat from her kitchen. Her snickerdoodles and banana bread were known far and wide. A dinner at LaJune’s was always eaten at a formally set table and most meals were accompanied by surprising gelatin creations.
She was a life-long faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many church positions during her 40 years as a member of the Olympus 7th Ward. Ward members and neighbors demonstrated exceptional love and generosity to her, notably in her later years as her needs increased. Her family wishes to express their deep gratitude for all that was done, seen and unseen, for her. In her final weeks, LaJune received care from compassionate and skilled hospice professionals that was a tender mercy to her and her family alike.
She is preceded in death by her husband Gordon Stewart; parents Joseph and Rosina Bouck; brother William Bouck; and brother Joseph Bouck. She is survived by her sister Edith Jacobson; brother Richard (Judy) Bouck; and children Bradley (Janet) Stewart; Douglas (Julee) Stewart; Rodney (Kathy) Stewart; Kevin (Caren) Stewart; as well as 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
A private family graveside service will be held Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 1:00 PM. Friends and Family are invited to attend virtually via zoom. The link to the Zoom recorded service is: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/GbBCD4Bt9Jw67sAKvfOgu-CZ8WECE-6CgUolBdHxh0dOzYQMdiem_ztcq_l5-UVh.aTroGDU9rt7tln9v
I have only fond memories of LaJune and Gordon Stewart and their time in Western Massachusetts living in the town of Granby. Their examples live on in the memories of many of us who knew them at that time. Their fine boys were a credit to them. Despite being in my Blazer B class, Rodney remained active in the faith. When I received a mission call and had suits that required tailoring, LaJune applied her skills to make the necessary adjustments. If you believe the measure of life is not in the things you amass, but the lives you impact, LaJune Stewart was most successful. My condolences to her children, daughters-in-law, and grand children. May you all be comforted by the great reward that awaits her.
Your mom lived an amazing life.... Full of energy and enthusiasm!! I knew a lot about your family because
of the enjoyment my parents had with your parents. My thoughts are with you...
I am sorry to hear of LaJune's passing. I remember her well from when I was a little girl in the Amherst Ward. She was so friendly, and I remember her smile. May you draw strength from the memories you have with her.
To LA June's Family, Wow what a shock to learn of Sister Stewart's passing! I am personally one of those who enjoyed her delicious meals and cookies. I feel bad that I can't be with you at the services! My grand-son, Corbin Anderson, (son of Creed) is being sealed at 12:15 pm today in the Jordan River Temple. I was the Stewarts Bishop when they moved into our ward! God bless you all!! She was stalwart Angel!
Dear Friends,
How fondly I remember your Mom. She was/is a wonderful person and I remember all the good things she did for the Amherst Ward. Especially in Relief Society. Our sons had lots a good times at your house, both in Granby, MA and in Utah. When I went to Utah to do family history research in the 1980s, your Mom invited my to supper. It was a delicious meal and she was so hospitable to me. When you folks lived in Granby, MA, Ed and I used to go Home Teaching to your family. One time your Mom served us hot chocolate with marshmallows floating on top. Ed tried to cut the marshmallow with his spoon, and the whole cup tipped over and made quite a mess on the floor. Your Mom quickly mopped it up and made nothing of it. She was a very gracious person. I know you will all miss her very much. Now she is with Gordon, the love of her life. Happy Day!
What a beautiful service and a great tribute to LaJune. I have many special memories about her and being with her. A good and frightening memory is one of Bear Lake and how confident she was in running the Bouck fishing boat. She wanted to scare us a little by turning sharply several times. It did do the job!!! We were married the same summer and the memory I have of her wedding was the fright she experienced from her male cousins who carried her outside in her wedding dress and she fainted in his arms and they laid her on the grass to revive! I loved her warm and inviting home when we met for a cousin get-together just 2 or 3 years ago. Her delicious food and graciousness was so welcoming. I love her still!!!! Evelyn Gibbons
The Service was so nice. She is so proud of her wonderful boys and their families. I only wish that I could have seen all of you in person/ I love your Mom. LaJune is truly a wonderful person who Loves the Lord and is a great example to all. she has a great heart with a desire to help and bring joy to others with her talent for baking and doing dinners at a beautiful table setting. It!s a wonderful feeling to know she and Gorden are tpgether again. You all are in my thoughts and prayers Love Donna Mae
We feel so blessed ti have known and lov ed La June for the duration of the 43 years of her life in the Olympus 7th ward. She was so classy, but above all she was a genuine friend. She was happiest when she was serving others. She had many talents and gifts which she graciously shared in lifting and blessing the lives of all who knew her. One of my treasures is a hand-written note written with her arthritic hands on her beautiful hand-made stationery. We love and miss her dearly! Sandy & Marvin Van Dam
I watched the beautiful service for Aunt LaJune. It was so sweet. You have my sympathy on the loss of your mother!