Lucile Jean Swapp Gehman, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully in St. George, Utah on December 11, 2024, at the age of 68. Jean was born on May 2, 1956, in Kanab, Utah, to Elbert “Farmer” Swapp and Lucile Margaret Johnson Swapp. She was raised in the close-knit community of Kanab, where she formed lasting connections with many who came to love her for her warmth and kindness. She was proud of her Kanab roots and enjoyed going back to visit often.
Jean was sealed for time and all eternity to Russell David Gehman in the St. George Temple on January 22, 1983, and together, they built a life filled with love, joy, and dedication to each other and their family. Jean was the proud mother of five children: Casey (Brittany), Amanda (Chad), Sara (Ryan), Tyler (Emily), and Lindsey (Brett). She found great joy in being a grandmother to eleven grandchildren: Austin, Paislee, Claira, Jemma, Nash, Lucy, Sadie, Donovan, Harper, Anders, and Eleanora all of whom brought her immeasurable happiness and pride.
Jean worked in the lunchroom at Elk Ridge Middle School for 19 years. During this time, she formed many lifelong friendships with coworkers and students that she treasured dearly. Her kindness, work ethic, and ability to make everyone feel like family left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Jean was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where her faith guided her through all aspects of life. She loved serving others and found great strength in her spiritual beliefs. She looked forward to visiting with those she ministered to each month. Her unwavering faith, coupled with her loving nature, inspired all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Jean and Russell shared a deep love for travel, often journeying to various places to watch baseball games, usually following the San Francisco Giants, a shared passion they enjoyed together for many years. Attending her grandkids events and cheering them on was a priority and brought her great pleasure. They also attended numerous concerts where Jean’s joy for music shone brightly. Her enthusiasm for these experiences reflected her zest for life and her ability to find happiness in the moments she shared with her loved ones.
Jean is preceded in death by her father, Elbert “Farmer” Swapp; her mother, Lucile Swapp; her brother, Norris Swapp; and niece Kristy Rhodes. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, brother Frank (Bonnie), nieces Koni (Mike), Adrienne, Stefani (Maurizio), and a host of extended family and friends who will forever remember her warmth, grace, and unwavering love.
Funeral Services
A viewing will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 pm. The services will take place at Mosdell Mortuary, Kanab, Utah. You are invited to watch the services through the livestream link below. The link will go active about 1/2 before the service begins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in West Jordan, UT. Details will be shared at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to ALS United Rocky Mountain https://alsrockymountain.org/donate/
My deepest condolences to Jean’s family. I enjoyed getting to know her and working with her at the Bees games and in the ticket office at the Delta Center. She was a very good friend.
I enjoyed spending time with Jean.we shared many stories and I remember the day she told me that when our children were young she told her children when Kayleen calls her children in you need to come home. I thanked her for making me the bad guy and we shared a laugh. May peace be with her family at this time. Until we meet again Jean enjoy your new location.
Jean,
You are already missed. Your smile and zest for life was so contagious. You were so kind to my family and I. I am truly honored to call you friend.
Laura Benedict
I was sad to learn of Jean’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. I worked with Jean at the Bees, what a very special lady.
Loved them all. Diana
It has been our great joy to be your neighbor and to watch our children grow up together. I always loved your delight in sports and how you wore your team shirt to watch the game on TV. Dale and I will miss your kindness and your great humor. We love you and Russ and the family.
I knew Jean in High School, Kanab High. She was a dear friend. We worked at Dukes Clothing together. We also roomed together at BYU for a semester. We had a wonderful time. She will be missed. Jean was happy and was loved by many.
Jean you have left us all too soon. I’ve so enjoyed our friendship as we bonded at the Delta Center Ticket Office and the SL Bees sharing stories and laughing. I’ll miss our get togethers for more laughs and yummy food. Rest easy. I’ll miss you forever! I’m out of town but know I’d be there if I could be.
Jean was one of my roommates in college. She was a good, kind soul. I’m really sorry to hear of her passing. I’m also sorry life gets so busy it is years between conversations and visits. My heart holds a place of gratitude for the memories shared.
My sincere condolences to her family during this difficult time.
I met Jean four years ago at Elkridge middle school. It took me a bit to get a feel for her personality, which later I learned that was what I loved about her the most. She was honest and spoke her mind. I loved that she didn’t sugar coat things. If she had a thought, she said it.
When she started getting sick it was sad to see her in pain and trying to work and be tough when you knew she was struggling. She was brave.
I will always cherish our love for the song “Africa” by Toto. We attended two separate Journey/Toto concerts separately but met up with each other both times. We both cry during the song Africa and we would text during the show saying to get ready for the tears!
I will cherish the visits and texts since Jean retired. I enjoyed going over and visiting her and laughing. She always left us laughing.
She will be so missed but I am so happy for her that her body is no longer restraining her. She is free to finally dance and run!
I love you Jean .. until we meet again sweet friend!