Arlene Sheppick Beckstead
1938-2025
- Arlene Sheppick Beckstead
July 25, 1938 – November 17, 2025
Arlene Sheppick Beckstead returned to her heavenly home after a life filled with love, service, resilience, and devotion to her family. She was born on July 25, 1938, in Murray, Utah, to Floyd G Sheppick and Minola Moon Sheppick. Arlene grew up on her family's mink ranch in South Jordan, where she learned early the value of hard work and the deep bonds of family. She shared her childhood with her beloved sisters, Elaine Sheppick Largent and Gay Sheppick Bybee.
Arlene attended South Jordan Elementary, West Jordan Junior High, and graduated from Jordan High School in 1956. Gifted with intelligence, discipline, and impeccable organizational skills, she worked as a legal secretary for Allen Steel Company in Salt Lake City, where her immaculate shorthand garnered lasting admiration.
On February 21, 1958, Arlene married the love of her life Jay Beckstead, and together they built a beautiful life in South Jordan, where Arlene lived for the rest of her days.
Arlene was blessed with three children, who were the center of her world:
• Annette Beckstead Wilkinson (Doug)
• Marlin Jay Beckstead (Teresa)
• Sharolyn Beckstead Bleak (Craig)
Arlene faced one of life's greatest challenges when she suffered a stroke at the age of 32 while pregnant. With extraordinary determination, she learned to navigate her new life with strength and grace, becoming a profound example of perseverance to her family and all who knew her.
Throughout the years, Arlene worked at the Oakdale Egg Factory, the ZCMI distribution warehouse, and eventually with the Jordan School District lunch program, where she later retired. Her work ethic was unwavering, and she found purpose in each role she took on.
Arlene was a woman of many talents. An extraordinary seamstress and gifted cook, she filled her home with the warmth of handmade items, delicious meals, and holiday traditions that will be cherished for generations. She loved shopping-especially her treasured trips to Costco-and near the end of her life, she lovingly sewed and donated handmade blankets to Primary Children's Hospital, creating comfort for little ones she would never meet.
She is survived by her husband Jay, 3 children, and six grandchildren:
Jessica Fukuchi (Kyle), Collin Wilkinson, Colton Harman, Brynn Lovendahl (Braidon), TeAnna Bleak, and Missy Taylor.
Arlene's legacy continues through her 12 great-grandchildren:
Paisley Jeffers, Jayce Jeffers, Aria Fukuchi, Demi Fukuchi, Adeline Wilkinson, Axton Wilkinson, Easton Oldham, Benson Lovendahl, Laylinn Lovendahl, Meadow Lovendahl, Helen Taylor, and River Hamilton
She is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Minola; her sisters, Elaine and Gay; and now rejoins them in a joyous reunion. She will also meet her baby girl, Jalene, for the very first time in heaven-an eternal moment long awaited.
Arlene's life was one defined by devotion: to family, to hard work, to service, and to God. Those fortunate enough to know her will remember her gentle hands, her quiet strength, her warm laugh, and her ability to make every person feel extremely loved and special.
Her family wishes to express gratitude for the care, compassion, and friendship shown to Arlene throughout her life. Additionally, we would to express our gratitude to Valeo Hospice that allowed her to pass with love, care and dignity. She will be missed more than words can express, but her legacy will live on through every stitch sewn, every lesson taught, and every heart she touched.
The viewing will be held Tuesday November 25, 2025 from 11:00-11:45 A.M with Funeral Services to follow at 12:00 PM at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Chapel. 1007 West South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah.

Published by Deseret News from Nov. 20 to Nov. 21, 2025.