Jeanne Matheson Hughes

Teresa Jeanne Matheson Hughes was born on July 2, 1924 to Francis (Frank) Brown and Naomi Tingey Matheson and died at age 90 on November 23, 2014. Jeanne lived her entire life in Salt Lake City, living in just three homes, one on the 800 East block of Coatsville Ave. and two on the 1400 East block of 900 South.

Jeanne graduated from South High School and then from the University of Utah Home Economics Department with an Early Childhood degree. She was a teaching fellow, president of Alpha Chi Omega, and a national officer of Spurs, an honorary service organization. After graduation, she became a member of the University faculty in Child Development.

She married Joseph Max Hughes on September 5, 1946. They had six children: Connie Jeanne Larsen (Clyde), Diane, Jordan Matheson (Darlene Wagstaff), Jo Lynn Reese (Richard), Allen Matheson (Mary Louise Romney), and Teresa McIntosh (Richard). Max died on August 9, 1982. Jeanne was an efficient homemaker, a creative manager and a woman of faith with an incredibly strong work ethic. She was known for her mending (grandkids especially appreciated this talent) and gardening abilities. Her husband, her children and her parents who lived next door, were Jeanne's priorities. She made possible so many memorable occasions and holidays, especially Christmas. Jeanne hosted beautiful dinners and events. She loved to travel and see new places with her family and friends.

Jeanne provided much service outside of the home. She served on PTA boards, fund raising drives, political campaigns, mothers' alumni groups and much more. She visited the lonely and provided compassionate service to the needy. She was gracious and kind.

Jeanne was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many Ward and Stake capacities. In 1964, she was called to the Primary General Board and served for 10 years. There she served on the committee that wrote and developed the CTR program and ring. Other assignments were The Children's Friend editorial board, Church Correlation, Curriculum and this began her 30 years on the Days of '47 committee. Jeanne was a Lambda Delta Sigma National Vice President (11 years) and served on two Relief Society General Boards (10 years). For eight years she served as a Church Service Missionary in the Church Office Building and in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

Jeanne was a scouter. She was awarded the Silver Beaver having served as Great Salt Lake Council Vice-President and Church Cub Scout Committee Chair. She developed programs and manuals for the National BSA and was instrumental in developing Cub Country at Tracy Wigwam in Millcreek Canyon. In 2011, Jeanne received the Influential Women in Scouting award from the BSA.

Jeanne loved everyone and made everyone feel special. She has positively and personally influenced many lives. Even as a resident at Emeritus Assisted Living, she loved and was loved by both residents and staff. She loved her association with the Brighton Gardens Branch. And the family would like to thank the all of these caregivers for their love, kindness and care.

Jeanne is survived by her six children, 23 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law (Mary Matheson Hayes and Laurel Hughes), and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, her sister Marjorie Sperry, her brother Franklyn B. Matheson, and her former daughter-in-law Ann Gibson Hughes.

The funeral will be held on Monday, December 1 at 11 a.m. at the Yale Ward,1431 Gilmer Drive. A visitation will be on Sunday, November 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, and on Monday, December 1, 2014 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Yale Ward. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund (PEF) by going to ldsp.org.