Jan Swan, 89, of Tooele Utah, died peacefully in her sleep Monday evening January 8, 2024.
Born Ruth Janet Spencer to Erwin Murt Spencer and Ruth Beck Spencer in Mt. Pleasant, Utah March 31,1934. As a young girl her family moved to Provo where she attended public schools graduating from Provo High School in June of 1952. In June she also became a bride, marrying Robert Dean (Slug) Thomas of Provo, Utah. They would become parents of two children, Stephanie Thomas and Steve Ryan Thomas.
She loved fashion and enjoyed working in retail sales. She became an excellent golfer as her many trophies would attest. She was an active member of the Ladies of Elks in the Provo BPOE chapter, becoming an officer in both the city and state organizations.
After moving to the Greater Salt Lake area, following her divorce, she worked as a medical office assistant and other secretarial positions leading her to complete a two year course at the Salt Lake Community College to improve her skills. She was proud of this accomplishment and her children enjoyed her time as a student.
Jan became an executive secretary for the Utah League of Cities and Towns.
While attending a dance she met and danced with the tall, dashing bass violin player, Bob Swan, of Tooele. He arranged for other music so he could dance with her. In years to come she would often say he literally swept her off her feet. They married years later and continued to enjoy dancing. It was common for Bob to whirl her around their kitchen floor..with or without music.
They enjoyed the world of golf together and Jazz music performances. Jan was very instrumental in Bob Swan’s political campaigns for Mayor of Tooele and Utah State Auditor. When Bob received a presidential appointment to a national position with the federal credit union governing board, they moved to Washington DC and had an incredible six year adventure. This included East European travel when the Berlin Wall came down and Bob was part of the U.S. government delegation sent to teach about Credit Unions.
Together they also enjoyed the adventure of being grandparents to Nathan, Jessica, Sarah, Samantha and Spencer Stinson, Stephanie’s children. “Grandpa Bob” and “Grandma Jan” were highlights in the Stinson children’s lives.
Most recently Jan resided at Pheasant View Care Center in Layton where she passed away very quickly and peacefully in her sleep.
Jan was a force of nature! Beautiful and artistic, outspoken, and a champion of underdogs and projects–she was an original force behind the Tooele Arts Festival where her son could be seen at her side helping her put together what she envisioned. She was naturally intelligent, possessed of a beautiful singing voice and a can-do spirit not to be rivaled. What she set her mind to she succeeded in–beautifully and with class.
As we have honored Jan’s request for no funeral, or viewing, or services of any sort we ask for your understanding.
She is interred in the Tooele City Cemetery next to her beloved Bob, to whom she is bound for eternity.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at DaltonHoopes.com
3 Comments
Stephanie you have our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. It is hard to say goodbye but it is also hard to watch them suffer. Keep her memories alive and close to your heart.
Jan was so kind and supportive when my husband ran for office. She was a delightful person and I enjoyed getting to know her. She even very generously allowed me to borrow her late husband’s bass for a performance or two. I had been thinking of her recently, and was sad to find out she had died. Love and peace to her friends and family. She was a special person.
Toe the Swan Family. We have been friends of the Swans for years. Paul. has known the children in school and the family through their dedicated community service. May er extend our love and sympathy at this time. Our prayers are with the family.
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