Beth Jessen

The funeral will be live-streamed here for those who cannot attend in person.

Beth Call Jessen, age 92, peacefully passed away on October 3, 2021 at home in Altonah, Utah surrounded by family.
Beth was born April 5, 1929, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is the third daughter of Elworth Anson Call & Myrtle Deane Anderton. Her family moved often. In about 1940 the family returned to the Basin, settling in Midview. It was here she took an interest in helping on the farm and working outdoors. She worked for an uncle, who ran a little corner cafe in Duchesne, before going to work for R.V. Larsen M.D., in Roosevelt.
Beth met G. Reay Jessen at the Revola open-air dance hall in Arcadia. They were married by her grandfather Levi J. Anderton on September 6, 1947, at Reay’s parents' home in Altonah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on June 28, 1984. Reay and Beth bought a small sawed log home a quarter of a mile from Reay’s parents. Together, they worked hard, little by little adding to and improving this small home. She gathered plants from many friends and neighbors. Reay gathered some native starts from the mountains, and soon their surroundings began to blossom. Beth found pleasure in making her home and yard a peaceful sanctuary. Here they raised five children.
Beth is well known for her artistic talents and her ability to beautify everything around her. She made her children's clothing, including many formal and wedding gowns. She was a wonderful cook, perfecting the art of delicious pies and homemade candy. Beth also decorated wedding cakes for her children, grandchildren, and many friends. She was known by many of the locals as the neighborhood self-taught beautician. She had a natural ability to garden and found peaceful pleasure working in her yard. Some of her most treasured works are her paintings. She learned by trial and error and took humble pleasure in each piece of art completed. Most of her posterity, including neighbors and friends, have received her paintings. Reay was always proud of her, often bringing friends and neighbors home to appreciate her creative works. Beth was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and taught herself to play the organ. She sang in groups at many local events in her younger years and took joy in the developing musical talents of her posterity.
Beth was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in numerous callings, one the most intimidating yet most rewarding being that of ward Relief Society President.
She is survived by her children, Sherrie Holgate, Karolyn Jessen, Lee (Monica) Jessen, Scott Jessen, Cindy (Brad) Jensen, all of Altonah; her brothers Eric, Lee, Lynn Call, sister-in-law Bonnie Lee Brotherson. Beth is the grandmother to 16 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great-grandchildren.
Beth was preceded in death by her husband, parents; sisters, Joyce Craig, Norma Deane Mitchell, and Dorthy Call; son-in-law, Douglas Holgate; grandchildren, Jeannie Reay Holgate, Rachelle Marie Jessen, Jason Allen Larsen, Quinn Reay Jessen: great-grandson, Tulsa Allen Larsen.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 7, 2021, at 11:00 AM at the Lake Fork Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with visitation from 10:00-10:45 AM. A viewing will take place Wednesday, October 6, 2021, from 6:00-8:00 PM. Interment in the Altamont Cemetery.