On October 8, 2016, Jean Larson Fowkes, an elect daughter of her Heavenly Father, returned to the loving arms of her sweetheart and parents.
It was a hot July 23, 1916 day in the small town of Santaquin, Utah, when Albert Nils and Mary Alice Jones Larson experienced the thrill of bringing Jean Larson into the world. Jean was the youngest of 5 children which included 3 sisters and 1 brother whom she had wrapped around her little finger. Jean attended Santaquin Elementary, Santaquin Junior high, and graduated from Payson High School with the class of 1934. Jean was well-liked and her favorite activities were candy pulls, making fudge and playing cards. Jean began her life in the days of horse and buggies on country roads to enjoying the thrill of motorized cars on freeways, airplanes and cruise ships.
She met the love of her life, John (Jack) Wallace Fowkes at an open-air dance near Santaquin when she was 19 and he was 26. They were married in the Manti Temple on March 18, 1936. Suzanne joined their family in 1937 and Jacqueline in 1940.
Jean has been a loving wife and mother all her life. She was a very accomplished cook and developed a marvelous reputation for being the best baker in her neighborhood providing delicious dinners, bread, cookies, and cinnamon rolls to her family, friends, and neighbors. She was also an accomplished seamstress who loved sewing clothing and doll clothes for her daughters and granddaughters. Jean is also known for her knitting ability. She has supplied countless numbers of cherished dishcloths to her family, friends, and caregivers over the last several years. She was employed by Sears for 24 years where she developed several life-long friendships.
Jean and Jack had many wonderful experiences vacationing with their daughters, their husbands, and several friends. They were able to travel extensively visiting National Parks, and every state capital including Hawaii, and Alaska, England, Wales and Ireland. Friday night was Card Night playing Dominos, Five Crowns and Stupid with beloved family members and friends.
Jean was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints serving in many positions of service in Primary, Sunday School and Relief Society. Jean was a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. Jack and Jean had the blessing of serving in the Salt Lake Temple Baptistery.
This was Jeans 100th Birthday year. On July 23rd, she enjoyed a special luncheon at Red Lobster where five generations were present to celebrate. A party was held later that evening at Millcreek Retirement where over 130 people attended to honor her life. Jean was also privileged to have lunch with Governor Herbert at the annual Centenarian Luncheon held on August 19th. She was thrilled to have her picture taken with the Governor and proudly displayed that picture in her apartment.
Jean leaves behind her loving family including Suzanne and Bill Nesbitt, Jacqueline and Dal Maxfield, 7 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 22 great-great-grandchildren.
Jean was welcomed home by her sweetheart, Jack, her parents, her brother and sisters and many other loving relatives who were anxious to have her back.
The family would love to offer special gratitude to all the caregivers and staff members at Millcreek Retirement Center for their ever watchful care over her; and to Diane and her team from Brighton Hospice for their tender care as Grandma transitioned from this life to the next.
Jean dearly loved her family. She will always be remembered for her legacy of love and service to others. In lieu of flowers, our family asks that you do something special with your loved ones.
Funeral Services will be held at Larkin Mortuary located at 260 E. South Temple beginning with a viewing on Friday evening, October 14th from 6 ‚ 8 pm. A viewing will also be held Saturday morning, October 15th at 9:30 ‚ 10:30 a.m. with Funeral Services following at 11:00.
