Alice Janneane Shupe's Obituary
On the night of Wednesday, February 5, 2025, heaven welcomed a new prankster, as Janneane reunited with the love of her life, Wright Shupe, and her dear friend, Renee Erickson. No doubt, they wasted no time planning which heavenly trees to decorate.
Just a day before her passing, she told the social worker that if Wright came to get her, she would “hang on with both hands to his coat tails.” True to her word, she was ready to join them and passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.
Janneane was born on February 19, 1937, and this year, she received her greatest birthday wish—to celebrate with her sweetheart, Wright.
She was born to Ruby Elizabeth Fisher at the old Dee Memorial Hospital in Ogden, Weber County, Utah, where Ruby named her Alice Janneane Rose. Ruby later married Amos Frank Halverson, who adopted Janneane, and they lived happily with Amos’s parents during the early years of her life.
Janneane fondly remembered the day Ruby and Amos moved a home on a flatbed trailer to a nearby lot on Darling Street, between 29th and 30th Streets, next to Monroe Boulevard in Ogden. They now had their own home, still close to Grandma and Grandpa Halverson.
When Janneane was ready to start the fifth grade, her parents purchased a 10-acre farm in Slaterville, Utah, and the family moved once again.
Janneane was a naturally athletic girl growing up. Both kids and adults would often ask her to flex her impressive, muscly legs. Her friends and classmates even gave her the nickname “Mother Long Legs” because her strong leg muscles were so extraordinary, and she could easily outrun the boys.
She participated in junior high school, private, and church sports teams, excelling in softball, acrobatics, basketball, and volleyball. She often wondered what she could have accomplished in sports if girls’ sports had been as supported then as they are today. Her powerful hitting in softball often led to intentional walks, as opposing teams knew she was a home run threat.
When she moved to high school, the school track team invited her to join, but she declined, explaining that she "did not want to wear shorts in front of the boys because she was self-conscious" about her muscly legs.
When she was a sophomore at Weber High School, Janneane met the love of her life, Wright Shupe, in their algebra class. She worked at the Hart Drug Store, earning enough money to pay for her beautiful wedding dress on her own.
On September 2, 1955, Wright and Janneane were married. Janneane later worked as a switchboard operator at the Tuberculosis Hospital in Ogden until she and Wright had their first child, Janna. They were blessed with diligent home teachers who loved them and set a strong example for the newlyweds.
Early in their marriage, they decided that they wanted to raise their future family in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Their commitment was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on February 1, 1957.
Wright and Janneane bought a house on the corner of 950 East and 3100 North in North Ogden, where they began building their life together while expecting Janna. There, they raised seven children and influenced many people—both old and young—for good.
Janneane had a great sense of humor, which she brought to all her callings and relationships. Her practical jokes were always well thought out and often very elaborate. If you were involved in one of her schemes—or on the receiving end of one of her mischievous plans—you were definitely loved. That was one of the ways she showed her affection. She loved to laugh, had a quick wit, and was incredibly creative. Whether it was writing programs, creating skits, or organizing events, Janneane excelled. She also loved hosting parties for her classes, friends, and neighbors.
Janneane loved the outdoors and animals. She hiked all over Ben Lomond, even reaching the peak. She had a deep appreciation for the land and all it had to offer. She especially enjoyed watching thunderstorms with her kids and grandkids. One of her favorite vacation spots was Jackson Hole, where she could camp by the river during the day, attend a BAR J Wranglers performance, and watch every play Jackson had to offer each summer. The family would also travel from Jackson Hole to Victor, Idaho, to enjoy Pierre’s playhouse.
Janneane served in many church callings, including as a teacher, a faithful Visiting Teacher, and both a counselor and president of her ward Relief Society and Young Women organizations. She also served multiple times as the Ward Camp Director, as well as a Stake Young Women President and Stake Camp Director. Together with Wright, she served an LDS mission as an usher at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Janneane was also a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.
She and her good friends—Renee Erickson, Joan Olson, and Lucille Chamberlain—wrote a play for a Relief Society program called Humor, Gotta Have It! The play depicted the stages of womanhood and how humor helps us navigate life’s ups and downs. What began as a performance for their ward sisters soon expanded, and they ended up performing it for wards and stakes along the Wasatch Front, from Logan to Draper, for about five years—sometimes as often as three times a week.
Janneane was a tireless worker, both inside and outside the home. While Wright often received compliments on their beautiful yard, she would modestly explain that he handled the mowing, while she took care of the flowers and trees—including the tedious task of removing the suckers the scrub oak sent through the lawn. She was also skilled at stretching a budget through canning, sewing, and baking. Her home was always spotless. Janneane was a devoted support to Wright and their children in all their activities, always striving to be the best person she could be.
She had considered enrolling in nursing school, but at the same time, she was called to serve as the ward Relief Society President. With a large family still at home and a ward family to care for, she felt the Lord was guiding her to a different priority. Although she never became a certified nurse, she dedicated herself to studying the medicinal properties of nature and was well-prepared to live off the land if necessary. She had a deep interest in health and wellness—despite her love for Dr. Pepper and her firm belief that chocolate was its own food group.
Janneane worked for a few years in the gift wrap department at ZCMI. She was a natural in the department because she had always made sure her Christmas tree and the presents under it looked like they belonged in a magazine. Most of what she earned went back into buying beautiful clothes for her grandkids' birthdays.
Their neighbors, Nanny and Gramps Heiner, gathered their family together for Sunday dinner every week. Janneane thought so highly of them and admired how close-knit they were, so she decided to start that same tradition with her own family. As the family gathered to say their goodbyes to Janneane, everyone agreed that those Sunday dinners were meaningful in their lives. The parties were always full of laughter, good food, and strengthened family relationships. Wright and Janneane also welcomed neighbors, friends, and anyone who needed a place to feel welcome for the evening.
When you told Janneane you loved her, she would respond with “Love you much” or “Love you more.” We love you, Janneane. Your legacy of hard work, putting family first, and your testimony of Jesus Christ will continue on.
Janneane was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby and Amos Halverson; her husband, James Wright Shupe Jr.; her brothers, Jim Halverson and Jerry Halverson; and two great-grandsons, Stephen Davey Taylor and Kody Ernest Nielsen. She is survived by her siblings: Sharon Halverson, Diane Halverson Warner, Joel Halverson, and Randy Halverson. She is also survived by her children: Janna Kay Kidman (Bruce), James Wright Shupe III (Nancy), Danial Shupe (Dawna), David Shupe (Natalie), Heidi Lafferty (Allen), Cory Amos Shupe (Melissa), and Casy John Shupe (ShaRee). She leaves behind 34 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren, with more on the way.
Funeral services will be held on February 15, 2025, at the Ben Lomond 9th Ward Building, located at 575 East 3100 North in North Ogden, Utah. A viewing will take place from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by funeral services at noon. Janneane will be interred in the Ogden City Cemetery next to her dear husband, Wright. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian or General Missionary Fund in her honor.
Many thanks to the Springville 9th Ward for welcoming Janneane with such kindness in the last two years of her life. We also express our gratitude to Desiree, Jason, and Lindsey of A-Plus Home Care and Hospice of Orem, as well as Premier Funeral Services. Special thanks to the Ben Lomond 9th Ward for welcoming Janneane back to her old neighborhood for her funeral and for providing food after the services.
For those unable to attend in person, the funeral service will be available for streaming at benlomondstake.org/streaming/building?id=3100
Flower Delivery Notice:
To ensure proper delivery, please send all floral arrangements directly to the location of the service one hour prior to its scheduled start time. Thank you.
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