LYMAN — Rock Solid. That is Jean Twitchell Bluemel! She never wavered in her testimony of Jesus Christ, nor in her love and loyalty to family, nor in her service to others.
Jean was the sixth of nine children born to Myrtle and Frank Twitchell. Not one person in that family ever turned their backs on their faith, each other or anyone in need. As a family, and individually, they exemplified faith and charity throughout their lives.
Jean was never one to ask “how can I help?” She just seemed to instinctively know who was hurting and what they needed. As doors opened, there stood Jean, with a delicious home cooked meal. If more was to be done, she would stay and clean the home, do the laundry and what ever else she could. She just seemed to know, and do, whatever possible to help. She, like the Christ she followed, was there to pick up the hands that hang down. Her many acts of service and generosity were done quietly, sincerely and without complaint. Throughout her life, she just knew how, and who to help.
Jean could, and did, out work everyone. After a long, hard day of work, when everyone else was in bed, the smell of pine-sole filled the air as Jean finished her day by cleaning the house. Early morning would find her as the first to rise, cooking breakfast, and getting everyone ready for the day. In a world searching for firm foundations and anchors, Jean Twitchell Bluemel was certainly one to depend on. She taught with her actions, how to live and give.
Family get-togethers were her favorite – the bigger the better. Jean was the cook, and an excellent one at that. Her home was always the gathering place. Everyone was welcome.
Jean set the high bar for caring, as she lovingly took care of her Mother when her Dad died. Myrtle was never left alone, nor excluded from anything. Jean cared for her until the day she died. She showed her love with action.
Jean Twitchell was sealed for time and all eternity, to Ivan J. Bluemel, June 26, 1946, in the Salt Lake Temple by President Joseph Fielding Smith. This year they celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary. They both stayed true to their covenants, and set the example for eternal families and Christ-like service for generations.
Her life included being the first of four generations of cheerleaders, as she cheered for her handsome basketball star. In school, she excelled in reading and math. She tutored other students in math. Her love for that subject carried throughout her life, as she did the bookwork for their grocery store, motels, laundromat, sawmill and other endeavors.
Her love for service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints included music leader, Relief Society President, missionary with Ivan to New Zealand, Temple Ordinance Worker, the typing of over 600 Patriarchal blessings, and many other callings. She and Ivan even cleaned the Church for many years by themselves. Need, not accolades, was her driving force.
Jean and Ivan traveled to Israel, China, Mexico, Panama Canal and many parts of the USA with friends and family. She was the map reader, and a good one.
Her talented needle work will be treasured by generations with the many quilts she stitched by hand, and numerous other projects she generously shared.
Jean, your “Rock Solid” example will never be forgotten, though it will be difficult to live up to. You have set the bar high!
We can almost hear Jean as she quotes a favorite poem, “Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free. I’m following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him Call.”
Until we meet again, we love you.
Jean is Mom to Marguerite (Bill) Shaffer, Cassandra (Gene) Ashton, Craig (Deann) Bluemel, Marilyn (Creg) Norton; Grandma to 18, Great -Grandma to 69, Great-Great-Grandma to seven, sister to eight, and friend to all in need. All who received birthday cards and letters, yearly, without fail!
Memorial services will be at Bridger Valley LDS Stake Center in Urie, Wyoming, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 at 11 a.m. Prior to the funeral, viewings will be held Thursday, Nov. 16, from 6-8 p.m. and 9:30-10:45 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17, both also at the Stake Center. Interment will follow at the Lyman City Cemetery.
The family would like to express our deep gratitude to the many caregivers at Legacy House Assisted Living, Aspire Home Care, Cowboy Care and the many friends and family who were there to the end. Your love and care gave back to Jean what she spent her life giving to others. We pray that gift will also be given to you. Our thanks to you, and for you, are without bounds.
