Helen Jean Witbeck

Helen Jean Hudson Witbeck returned home to her Heavenly Father on May 2, 2016 at the age of 91. Helen Jean was born on October 31, 1924 in Salt Lake City, Utah to LaFaunce D and Alverda Turner Hudson, the oldest of five children. She was known as "Helen Jean born on Halloween". She married James Shahan, Jr in 1943, just months before he was shot down over Europe during World War II, and later married Reuben Merril Witbeck on July 15, 1949. Their union was solemnized on July 6, 1964 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Helen Jean was a devoted mother who focused on raising her family. She was "Granny Goose" to all her grandchildren whom she loved so much. She loved to sew and crochet and enjoyed collecting dolls. She loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and spent most of her life in the background, serving a combined total of 42 consecutive years as both a Primary and Sunday school secretary. Helen Jean also loved working in the nursery and spending time with the little children. For many years she was a 100% Visiting Teacher who always visited the first week of each month. Helen Jean is survived by her children: Wendy Patricia (Clive) Killpack of West Jordan, Utah, Jolene (Rendal) Esplin of Henderson, Nevada, Nancy Lee (Bruce) Weekes of Provo, Utah and Roger Kent Witbeck of West Point, Utah; 22 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; sister, Carol Hudson Thomson of Lakeville, Minnesota; brother, Blaine (Barbara) Hudson of Alpine, Utah. She is preceded in death by her husbands; parents; children, Sheryl Jeanne and Kim Merril Witbeck; great-granddaughter, Molly Mae Killpack; and brothers, Bud and Ren Hudson. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 7th, 11:00 a.m., at Hunter 10th Ward, 5000 W. Pavant Ave, WVC, where a viewing will be held prior to services from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Interment will be 2:30 p.m. at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South. Place of Birth:Salt Lake City, UtahPlace of Death:Orem, Utah