Jean Behunin

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FERRON – Helen Jean Healey Larsen Behunin, 80, passed away Sept. 12, 2009 in Ferron, Utah due to complications of diabetes and congestive heart failure.
Jean was born July 1, 1929 in Spring Canyon, Utah, the third daughter of James Alvin and Pheobe Vilate Kent Healey. On March 8, 1930, at 8 months of age, Jean was sent to Ferron, Utah, to live with Jesse and Anna Behling Larsen and was legally adopted by them on July 12, 1930. One year and one day after arriving in the Larsen home, Anna gave birth to a son, Darwin J. Larsen March 9, 1931 and their family was complete.
Jean grew up in a very loving home and had many fond memories of growing up on the ranch in Rochester (now known as Moore), Utah. During the winter months of the school year she lived in Ferron with her grandmother, Augusta Nohr Behling.
Jean was blessed with the voice of an angel. She was frequently asked to sing at school, community and church functions. As a teenager she sang at most of the farewell parties for the departing soldiers going to war. She blessed many lives with her talent throughout her life.
On Jan. 1, 1947, Jean married Ned Swasey and from this union was blessed with two beautiful children, Michael N. and Doris Jean. They later divorced on March 9, 1954.
After the divorce, Jean helped her folks who were operating a nursing home in Ferron. Here, she met Elbert Hans Behunin when he came to visit his aunt. He was divorced also and had two daughters, Vickie Rae and Donna Lee. Elbert and Jean were married Sept. 23, 1954. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti Temple on May 6, 1961. From this union, three more children were born. Norman Elbert, Nolan Royce, and Nina Jo.
Being a very active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Jean faithfully fulfilled many callings. She was a devoted visiting teacher and her greatest love was serving with Bertha Blackburn on the compassionate service committee providing the luncheon for funerals in the ward for more than 30 years. She also loved teaching the Blazer boys in Primary and after being recognized for more than 30 years of service in the Primary, she was called and served several years as the Primary President.
Jean is preceded in death by her husband Elbert and one granddaughter. She is survived by her children Vickie (Vorace) Nelson, Moab; Donna (Don) Thomas, Herriman; Michael (Roxy) Behunin, Colorado; Doris (Idris) Walker, Ferron; Norman (Roxanne) Behunin, Vernal; Nolan (Teresa) Behunin, Clawson; Nina Jo (Reid) Bean, Richfield; She is blessed with 22 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; brother, Darwin (Verdeen) Larsen, Fillmore; and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009 at 11 a.m. in the Ferron Blue Hills/Millsite LDS Ward Chapel (35 West 200 North). A viewing will be held Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 6-7 p.m. at Fausett Mortuary in Castle Dale, and Wednesday from 9:30 -10:30 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Ferron City Cemetery. Services are in the care of Fausett Mortuary. Family and friends may sign the guest book and share memories of Jean at www.fausettmortuary.com.