Jean S. Mickel

4/20/1940 ~ 7/4/2023

Ada Jean Swapp Mickel passed away in Mt. Pleasant, Utah on July 4, 2023 after enduring many health struggles. She was born April 20, 1940 in Cedar City, Utah, the first child of Archie and Margaret Swapp, and became a wonderful big sister to two more brothers, Bill and John. Jean grew up in Carlin, Nevada.  Her father worked on the railroad, and she enjoyed traveling frequently on the train.

After graduating from Carlin High School, Jean left to attend BYU.  She loved her time as a college student, and while there, she met a young man who impressed her. After graduating, she moved to Monterey, California to teach kindergarten.  She loved the ocean and was excited to live there. 

About a year and a half later, she felt a need to return to Utah, and while attending a conference at the LDS Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, she had a strong impression that she would see the young man she’d dated from BYU, and that they would get married. Things worked out, and she married Harold LaNae Mickel on December 21, 1962 in the Manti LDS Temple.

Harold and Jean made their home in Spring City and lived a very busy and happy life. With their 4 children, they spent lots of time camping, hiking, or just going up the mountain to have dinner or make ice cream using the snow from a late snowpatch. She loved to take the family on trips so we could experience the amazing places around us. Jean kept a ‘travel can’ to save her coupon money for those trips. We were always excited when it was full because we knew we were going somewhere. We remember the bag of Jolly Ranchers and Sprees that Mom would bring on our trips. 

Jean loved to read a good book and enjoyed baking. She always had a chocolate cake in the fridge for Harold, and cookies in the jar.  She loved collecting pottery and jewelry from her travels. Her love of traveling was passed on to many family members, and she often asked her family “What did you buy?” after we returned home from a trip. In their later years, Jean and Harold enjoyed traveling with close friends. They saw many beautiful places and she had wonderful memories of those trips. 

Jean loved her family. She loved having her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren around. Game nights at Grandma’s house were epic! She loved word games, and played throughout her life. Jean created several traditions for her family and the grandchildren fondly remember her ‘tent’ parties, Christmas cookie baking, and dipping chocolates. Her home was open to many who shared in her love of family gatherings. Jean and Harold have a large, wonderful family and extended family, and she loved being with each of them.  She was always interested in the lives of each member of her family and was a great support to them.

Jean was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  She served in many ward and stake leadership callings.  She was a supportive and faithful companion to her husband when he served as the Stake President.  Jean and Harold were called to serve as missionaries in the Rapid City, South Dakota Mission. This was a great experience for them. They later served as ordinance workers in the Manti Temple. Jean loved and had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ.  She exemplified that love for her Savior in the way that she lived her life by serving others, and always being faithful to her temple covenants.

Jean had many close friends and cherished those relationships.  Even as she struggled with health issues, she continued to inquire, support, and show her love for her friends and family.

Jean is survived by her beloved husband Harold, children Marli (Dan) Walker, Lori (Darin) Johansen, Dan (Shannon) MIckel, Matt (Brenda) Mickel, 18 grandchildren, and 21 ½ great-grandchildren. She is also loved and survived by her in-laws and many that viewed her as a grandmother. Jean is preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers, Bill and John Swapp. Her family is very appreciative of the care she received at Good Life Care Center. Their loving care kept her close to home at the end of her life. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 8 at 11:00 am in the Historic LDS Church, 164 S. Main Street in Spring City.  Viewings will be on Friday, July 7, from 6:00-8:00 pm, at the Historic LDS Church, and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 am. Burial in the Spring City Cemetery

As Jean’s family, we express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all those friends, family, and caretakers who have given their love, care, and friendship to our mother. 

To Watch Recorded Funeral Service Click Here.

To Watch Recorded Graveside Service Click Here.