JoEllen Beckman

JoEllen Beckman—devoted wife, legendary mother, doting grandma, loving sister, proud aunt, and loyal friend—left this earth surrounded by her family on December 10, 2020 after a years-long battle with Alzheimer’s. Born JoEllen Burningham on March 26, 1948 in Bountiful, Utah to hardworking, humble parents Ted and Blanche Burningham, JoEllen was the third of eight tightknit siblings. She graduated with honors from Bountiful High School in 1966 and married her husband of 51 years, Lynn D’on Beckman, on August 1, 1969 in the Logan Utah LDS temple.

With Lynn, she built a beautiful family of four children and eventually 14 grandkids while keeping an immaculately clean and organized home first in Bountiful, then Centerville, and finally in Farmington on Shady Creek Lane—a stylish home that she helped design, decorate, and furnish with her signature taste and class. As her family grew over the years, one thing never changed: the fact that family was the most important thing to her. JoEllen spent her entire adult life tirelessly caring for her kids and fully supporting them in all their various activities, and later spending every moment she possibly could with her grandkids. She extended this love to others. She was a go-to babysitter for her grandkids and many others because not only would she never say no, but she truly cherished being with children and always made little ones feel important. JoEllen often said she felt most in her element when she had a baby in her arms.

She lived her life in constant, sincere service to everyone around her, performing genuine acts of kindness—always quietly and without fanfare or need for attention. She’d often be the first one to show up with a thoughtful gift, send a meaningful handwritten note, or offer a helping hand to people who needed it for any reason. One example of her renowned thoughtfulness is how she punctually mailed birthday cards to each of her 44 nieces and nephews every year—and never missed one.

JoEllen made friends easily due to her kind nature and thanks to her sarcastic sense of humor and sharp wit that made people smile. She was an active member of the LDS church and had a sweet spirit. She held many callings but loved most of all the opportunities she had to work with the Young Women organization. She built authentic relationships with the girls she led and unknowingly became a mentor, role model, and confidant to dozens of young women over the years.

JoEllen was known for her exquisite style and on-point fashion sense. She was always well put together and nicely dressed, but she was also a frugal shopper who hunted for good deals and managed to fill her closet on a budget. She wanted to look her best but wasn’t one to be extravagant. For example, she enjoyed taking seasonal work at Nordstrom during holiday sales and took advantage of those discounts as a way to supplement her wardrobe—and those of her kids. And while she was impeccably dressed, she would always brighten a person’s day by complimenting how nice that person looked, how pretty they are, how she loved what they did to their hair, or how she admired that person’s accomplishments and the things that made them unique.

JoEllen loved being around people and would host great parties in the backyard around the swimming pool during summer months, and inside her home for Halloween, New Year’s Eve, and other special occasions. While she thoroughly enjoyed those gatherings, especially with her extended family, she could be just as happy curled up by herself in an afghan reading a good book. She was an avid reader who would visit the library frequently to check out a pile of mystery and suspense novels—which she would zip through in a matter of days to the amazement of her kids.

She was mostly a homebody and took great comfort being at home, but she loved road trips and vacations. She helped provide incredible experiences and memories for her family. She grew especially fond of the beaches of Maui, so much so that she placed a weathervane shaped like a pineapple on top of her house in Farmington to symbolize that special location of several memorable family vacations.

Just as JoEllen was reaching her mid-sixties and loving life as an energetic grandma, she found her memory starting to fail her. The signs that something was wrong grew clearer and more worrisome to those around her. Soon after, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s confirmed all our worst fears. The disease continued its tragically unfair and unforgiving process of taking everything from her: memories, hobbies, the ability to perform daily duties and tasks, relationships, mental strength, mobility, and ultimately her life. One thing it couldn’t take, however, was her heart and her tenderness. Her loving husband, Lynn, was at her side throughout the entire difficult journey, loving her, caring for her, and comforting her. The journey was full of frustration and tears, but also provided ample opportunities for loved ones to spend time with JoEllen and express love and appreciation for the impact she made.

She left us way too soon, but we take comfort in remembering the beautiful person she was up to the end. Her legacy of love will endure for generations to come.

JoEllen was preceded in death by her parents, sister Kaye, brother Brent, and nephews Kyle and Derek. She is survived by her husband, Lynn; children Jade and Brandy, Loni, BJ and Jessica, and Jess; 14 grandchildren (Baylee, Drex, Quincee, Justus, Jarren, Allee, Daegan; Halle, Tessa, Nash; Reese, Wynn, Rowen, Grey); siblings Paul, Kelly, Marla, Kurt, Gayle; and her nieces and nephews.

A private service will be held for close family and friends on December 16. It will be on Facebook Live for those who wish to view it at 11 am at the following link; https://www.facebook.com/Russon-Mortuary-Crematory-105412734572327  She will be interred in the Bountiful Cemetery. While JoEllen loved flowers, instead of flowers please express condolences by fighting Alzheimer’s. Donate in memory of JoEllen at http://act.alz.org/goto/JoEllenBeckman.