Elaine Ovard Fawcett

Elaine Ovard Fawcett (affectionately called “Roy” by her brother Jeff), our beloved mother, grandmother, and newly minted great-grandmother, was reunited with her Heavenly Father, her parents, siblings, and family members on January 6, 2025. 

Our generous and selfless mother bravely battled cancer for the past two years. She heroically willed herself to stay with us to celebrate Christmas one last time, to see the arrival of her first great-grandchild, and to witness the return of a missionary grandson. She never complained throughout her cancer treatments, as her focus was always on those she cared for most—her family and friends. 

Mom was born in Coalville, Utah on June 22, 1947 to Carl and Kathleen Ovard. She was the second of six children (siblings include Randy, Jeff, Wendy, Chris, Lee) and grew up in Henefer, Utah. She loved her parents and siblings deeply and frequently talked about the joys of her youth—playing run-sheepy-run, kick-the-can, and ice skating on the pond. She was also very proud of herself for using the funds from a paper route to pay for the carpet in her bedroom.

Elaine and Lane Fawcett went to school together, shared a party line (telephone), and became an official couple at Junior Prom at North Summit High School. Mom faithfully wrote Dad for two years while he was on his mission. Almost immediately upon his return, they married on December 12, 1968 in the Salt Lake Temple, then moved to Ogden, where Mom worked as an administrative assistant to help finance Dad’s education (while also moonlighting as an editor over his college papers—often writing them herself). They moved to Illinois in 1972 for Lane’s job, then relocated back to Utah a few years later, where they made Bountiful their permanent home. During this time frame, they welcomed five children into their lives: Brad, Darin, Leslie, Natalie, and Melanie.

Elaine was a self-taught seamstress who made many dance dresses, pajamas, and holiday clothing for her family. She loved to play the piano and utilize her shorthand and typing skills. Her children, grandchildren and neighbors, however, will all attest to the fact that baking was her forte. She often made cookies, brownies, chocolates, chews, birthday cakes, and even learned to make and decorate wedding cakes for family and friends. She could also make a great dinner, frequently receiving the “good cook, Doris” praise from Dad. Despite the fact Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday, she was renowned for her specialties on Halloween— homemade “Halloween” soup and donuts. She also made and wore several memorable Halloween costumes, such as: Marty (from the movie Madagascar 3), the Swedish Chef (The Muppets), a cardboard truck and driver (inside joke), and most recently, Dr. Evil (from the Austin Powers movies).

Mom loved spending time with her family and creating many cherished memories. Family vacations were no exception. We loved the experience of loading up the red truck with a mattress in the back, sleeping bags, games, snacks and music, to drive across the California desert to Oceanside, where we stayed in a beach condo for several summers. We also loved going to Yellowstone to see EVERY SINGLE hot spring, mudpot and geyser. For Mom and Dad’s 50th wedding anniversary, they took all the kids and grandkids to Kauai, Hawaii. The two of them also traveled the world together, visiting over 20 countries—each one represented by a unique magnet on the fridge. 

Elaine also loved supporting her cherished grandchildren’s many activities, including formal school programs, sporting events, graduations, birthdays and weddings, as well as sleepovers, pancakes with homemade grape syrup, and everyday fun. Being around her family brought her immense joy, and we all greatly appreciated how she made everyone feel loved and welcomed. She never spoke ill of anyone, made us laugh often, and always sacrificed her time and talents for the betterment of our family, neighborhood and church ward.

Elaine loved and lived the gospel. She was a true testament of living out her faith and fulfilled many church callings over the years, including positions within Relief Society, Cub Scouts and Primary, as well as time as a temple worker and pianist. 

A shining example of humility, service, and charity, she leaves a legacy of faith. She expressed her faith in word, but even more so through kind acts and love. Her family and friends will miss her deeply, but know she is now watching over them, just as she did throughout her life. Our angel mother fought a good fight, she finished her course, she kept the faith.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Lane R. Fawcett, and her five children: Brad (Kim) Fawcett, Darin (Jessica) Fawcett, Leslie (Martin) Schimmer, Natalie Fawcett, Melanie Fawcett; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The family would like to publicly thank and recognize the quality care she received from her Huntsman nurses over the past year: Natalie, Alina, and Kimberlee.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Bountiful Park Ward, 990 N. Chapel Dr., Bountiful, Utah. Family and friends may visit during the viewing on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the same location, prior to the funeral.

Interment, Henefer Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.