Beverley Jean Stephan

Beverley Jean Grow Stephan passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, at the age of 98. After a remarkable life of loving service, her Heavenly Father called her home to be joyfully reunited with her beloved husband Fred, who never left her heart.

Known for her love, compassion, and open heart, Beverley’s long and remarkable life touched the lives of countless family, friends, and community members. Born on April 5, 1927, in Lynndyl, Utah, Beverley was the cherished daughter of Joseph Henry Grow and Helen Mary Horne Grow and continued the legacy of her close-knit pioneer family. Beverley honored her pioneer ancestors including Jesse Carter Little (who was instrumental in meeting with U.S. President Polk to establish the Mormon Battalion), Joseph Horne (captain of 50 wagons coming to the Salt Lake Valley from 1873-1890), and Henry Grow (the architect of the Tabernacle dome on Temple Square). She carried with her the enduring spirit and values of her ancestors, proudly serving as an active member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers throughout her life.

Her Dad worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and was transferred to Caliente, Nevada when Beverley was very young. Beverley spoke fondly of this time in her childhood as a safe and secure time living in a small town. Even in her later years she often told stories of this time with her parents and older brother Richard “Dick” Grow.

During her youth, she enjoyed visiting Grandpa Horne’s home on 1902 Main Street in Salt Lake with her older brother. Grandpa would pick her and Dick up from the Union Pacific depot in his Model A Ford Coupe – her spot was lying on the top of the back seat. Grandpa Horne always laid his money coins and orange jelly candies on the windowsill of this large family room, but Beverley knew better than to touch those. Beverley fondly remembered climbing in the attic of Grandpa Horne’s large home, eating breakfast made from fresh rhubarb, and lounging in Grandpa Horne’s big, beautiful front lawn. She spent her summers at Grandpa Horne’s cabin in Lambs Canyon, the Bennion Ranch in Wyoming, the beaches in Southern California, and touring the National Parks.

Beverley’s lifelong journey of curiosity, warmth, and deep commitment to those she loved. Beverley’s unwavering kindness was the hallmark of her long, meaningful life. To her family and friends, she was known for her loving nature, caring spirit, and remarkable ability to see the needs of others and find a way to serve all those who crossed her path. She had a remarkable and enduring sense of humor. Beverley loved to laugh and genuinely focused on the positive things in life – never complaining even when the bad times came but always finding a way to lighten the loads of those around her.

Beverley approached life as a world traveler both in the literal sense and in the way she opened her heart and mind to different people and cultures. Education, sports, and excellence shaped much of Beverley’s early years. She graduated from East High School (Salutatorian), studied music at the esteemed McCune School of Music and Arts, cultivating a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Beverley later graduated from the University of Utah where she was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority, Leader’s Club, Basketball team (as part of the conference championship team), and was the U of U’s Tennis intramural champion!

Beverley’s caring and nurturing spirit guided her into a fulfilling career as a Registered Dietitian. After completing a one-year dietetic internship in Los Angeles California, her expertise and warmth graced hospitals in Houston, Salt Lake City, Portland, and Vancouver, where she improved countless lives with her dedication and compassion as a dietitian. She retired in 1989 as the Administrative Dietitian at Southwest Washington Medical Center. Throughout her career, Beverley not only nourished bodies but also provided emotional comfort and sage guidance to those in her care.

On December 30, 1955, Beverley married the love of her life, Fred Stephan after meeting him at the Vancouver Washington VA Hospital. One year later they were sealed together for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on November 14, 1956. Together, they shared years filled with adventure, faith, and family. Their commitment to one another was a source of enduring inspiration to all who knew them. With their two children, Janae and Paul, Beverley and Fred traveled extensively – visiting all 49 states and all provinces of Canada. Each summer they would take their boat to the San Juan Islands for a week cruise and enjoyed frequent trips to Oregon and Washington beaches in their motor home. Fred passed away in 1981, but he was never forgotten and always held a special place in Beverley’s heart.

Beverley lived her faith each day as an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Those who knew Beverley will always remember her as loving, caring, and selfless—a woman whose generous heart and adventurous spirit enriched the lives of all she met. She relished opportunities for service and spiritual growth. She was an organist in the Portland Oregon and Salt Lake City Temples. Some of her church callings included pianist in Primary, Relief Society and the Mutual Improvement Association (“MIA”) (now known as Young Women’s), Ward and Stake MIA Leader, Primary, and activities committee. Beverley served in the Stake Relief Society for over 20 years. In addition, Beverley cherished preserving her Pioneer heritage with pride.

Tennis and basketball were lifelong passions for Beverley, and she remained an active and enthusiastic participant in both well into her later years. Her grandchildren have fun memories of playing with Beverley on her sport court in Vancouver, Washington. Yet, it was travel that most animated her spirit—visiting places near and far, she gathered stories and friendships that enriched every chapter of her remarkable life. Her adventures, both great and small, were always undertaken with joy and gratitude. She was an avid world traveler, exploring new cultures and making friends wherever she went. Beverley had been to all 7 continents and over 70 countries – taking many repeat visits to share her experiences with her children and grandchildren. She visited Israel three times and often referred to it as her “favorite place”. One of her fondest memories, however, was a six-day White Water rafting trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon which gave her a renewed appreciation for the wonders of our Heavenly Father’s creation. When the world came to Salt Lake City for the 2002 Winter Olympics, Beverley was once again there to serve. She volunteered on the medal plaza and loved explaining the wonders of the Salt Lake Valley to “her foreign friends.”

She was a loving and calming presence—not just to her own family, but to everyone she encountered. In her later life, Beverley enjoyed going to the sports, music, dance and other activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She often referred to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as her “little sweethearts”. More than anything, she enjoyed being around family – always telling stories to keep her Pioneer heritage alive in the minds and hearts of the next generation.

Beverley’s greatest pride and joy were her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers (Joseph “Bobby” and Richard “Dick”), her loving husband Fred Stephan, and her grandson Tyler Stephan. She is survived by her children, daughter Janae Menna (Robert) and son Paul Stephan (Kay). Her surviving 10 grandchildren include Jody Merrill (Anthony). Stephanie Carter (Gary), Brian Nelsen (Amanda) Lindsey Livsey (Larry) Courtney Nelsen, Sean Stephan (Ariel), Jordan Stephan (Domonique), Ryan Stephan (Abigail), Josh Stephan (Brinley), and Chase Stephan (Ciera), as well as 22 great- grandchildren (with 3 more on the way) and a first great-great grandchild due in February.

Beverley is remembered for her unwavering support, gentle wisdom, and boundless love that continues to guide all who knew her. Those who knew Beverley will remember her most for her loving, caring, and infinitely selfless nature. She had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel valued and welcomed. Beverley strived to ensure that her family knew she loved them by always greeting each one with a hug and sincerely asking them if they knew how much she loved them.

Her presence will be dearly missed by her entire family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know her. A viewing will be held at 9:00 am on August 14, 2025 followed by a funeral service honoring Beverley’s extraordinary life at 11:00 a.m. at Larkin Mortuary, Salt Lake City. All whose lives she touched are invited to attend and celebrate her legacy of kindness, faith, and adventure. In memory of Beverley, let us strive to love, laugh, and extend a helping hand as generously as she did—ensuring her spirit endures for generations to come. Beverley’s legacy of kindness and service lives on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.