Jan Cooper Carden

Jan Cooper Carden, A vibrant soul…A woman who loved life, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her cherished family, on March 8th, 2017.

Jan’s journey began on August 7, 1931 in Cleveland, OH, born to Milton & Miriam (Mimi) Cooper. Jan was raised in Ogden, UT, graduating Ogden High School in 1949. Jan attended Weber State College, and earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Utah. She was also a proud member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority.

 As a young woman, Jan looked forward to traveling and experiencing many places around the world. Her early career took her to Washington state to work with the Girl Scouts of America, where she learned many campfire songs that she later loved to sing to her children and grandchildren. The next step took her to Washington D.C. to work for the Central Intelligence Agency, where after a year she accepted a CIA assignment in Frankfurt, Germany.

While in Germany, Jan caught the eye of a handsome US Army MP, William “Buddy” Carden, her husband for 56 years. They were married on March 13th, 1961 in Basel, Switzerland. They returned stateside aboard the S.S. America with their infant son William Jr. Eventually settling in Farmington, UT., where they lived the last 47 years. Jan’s positions with the Hansen Planetarium and Beehive Telephone Company rewarded her with many wonderful experiences and lifelong friends.

Jan was a long time active member of the Worldwide Church of God (now Grace Fellowship) in Salt Lake City, where she was involved in leading and preforming special music. Jan’s love for music filled her home and brought her great joy. Whether it be an entire opera preformed at the Met, or an entire score of a Broadway musical, she cherished each song.

Jan’s four sons were a tremendous source of pride and joy, showing them support and love individually in her own special way. Good manners, proper grammar, respect for others, and honesty were taught to Jan at an early age. These values were instilled and expected of her children.

Jan’s spark and outgoing personality touched many lives. Her encouraging, and optimistic outlook was contagious to those who had the privilege to know her.

Jan is survived by her husband, William “Buddy” of Farmington, sister Ann (Art) Holloway of SLC, sons William Jr (Kristine) of Providence, Beau (Dove) of SLC, Bart (Carla) of Sandy, 11 Grand Children, 7 Great Grand Children. Preceded in death by parents Milton Rue & Miriam Cooper, brother Milton Rue Cooper Jr, and son Benjamin Cooper Carden.

Our family sends its heartfelt thanks for the tremendous emotional encouragement and support from Family, Friends, Neighbors, Physicians & Specialists, and so many others in Jan’s life. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Jan’s life will be held on Saturday, March 25th 2017 at the Discovery Christian Community – Hosted by Grace Fellowship Church –  5929 South 900 East Murray, UT 84121 at 11:00 AM.