Jeanne Harriet Stevens Arata Obituary (1917 - 2007)

“Granny” Jeanne Harriet Stevens 89, died peacefully at 7:00am surrounded by her family on the beautiful morning of Wednesday, May 9, 2007. She was born November 29, 1917 in Salt Lake City, UT to Embra Thornton Stevens, and Ida Lucille Watts. Jeanne married Eddie James Arata on January 25, 1946 in the St. Mark’s Cathedral. Jeanne graduated from South High School in 1934. The times were hard and there were many adversities, but Jeanne was a very ambitious person. She attended LDS Business College excelling in shorthand and typing. She participated in the Utah State Women’s Open Downhill and Slalom Championships at Brighton in 1939 and took thirteenth place – she loved skiing with the Wasatch Mountain Club. Jeanne worked for Remington Arms making machine gun bullets used for World War II. She was the Executive Secretary for Governor J. Bracken Lee and became lifelong friends with Governor Lee and his wife. Her most fulfilling job was that of Administrative Officer, Air Traffic Control Tower, Federal Aviation Administration. Jeanne loved dancing especially the Jitterbug, Rock’n-roll and the Western County Swing. She loved writing and wrote poetry about all her surroundings. “Work” and “Shopping” kept mom going. She loved scoping out the bargains. No family member will ever forget “Ross’s” and Saturday morning at “Auerbachs”. Jeanne’s first concern was always her family. She was a selflessly devoted and loving mother and wife. She dedicated her working years to save for the future of her children and grandchildren. Jeanne was very generous and had a great deal of empathy for people. Survivors: sons, Ryan Stevens (Deb) Arata, Scott Edward (Debbie) Arata, and daughter Annette Jeanne Arata-Sanchez, sister, Mrs. Barr (Peggy) Quist, Holladay, and brother Harold “Bud” Thornton, Holladay. Grandchildren: Jennifer (Tony) Dibella, Todd (Bryn) Arata, Jaimie (Scott) Carlson, Brandon Arata, Adam Sanchez, and 6 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her father, Embra Thornton Stevens, mother, Ida Lucille Watts, husband, Eddie James Arata, sister, Idamay Stevens Brooks, and infant son James Stevens Arata. Finally after all these years, mom gets to see her firstborn for the very first time – How awesome is that! You were a sweet smiling trooper to the end! Till we meet again in Heaven – We love you Mom. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mount Olivet Cemetery,1342 East 5th South. Friends may call Monday, from 6-8 p.m., at the Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 South State Street.