<< Go Back To Obituaries

Mary Jane Whiteley

Jul. 26, 1937 - Dec. 18, 2020

Date of Service: Dec. 30, 2020

Watch the Webcast

OAKLEY – Mary Jane Lee Whiteley, 83, passed away on December 18th, 2020, in Provo, Utah.

Mary Jane was born on July 26, 1937, one hour before her twin brother, Joseph Wayne. She was the eighth of ten children born to Edward and Rhoda Annie Paskett Lee, in Oakley, Idaho. She was taught the value of hard work as everyone helped in making ends meet for their large family. She graduated from Oakley High School and then attended Henager’s Business College in Ogden, Utah. Upon her return to Oakley, she worked at the Idaho Power Company until she caught the eye of Reed Whiteley. They were married in 1958, and two children were born to them before they moved to Chandler, Arizona, where Reed managed a ranch for three years before returning to Oakley.

Jane thought she was going to have a large family but almost 12 years passed before two more sons were born to the Whiteleys. Jane felt strongly that a mother’s place was in the home when children were there. They loved the smell of her freshly-baked bread and applesauce on the stove in the fall. She maintained a large garden every summer and preserved dozens of bottles of fruit every fall.

She had a love of music and played the piano, organ, and clarinet and sang in many small groups and choirs. She played the organ or piano for nearly 300 funerals in Oakley over a span of many years. Jane was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings, one of her favorites being in the Young Women organization.

The last four years of Jane’s life were spent in Provo, Utah, but she always wanted to go home to where her heart was - Oakley.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reed; her parents; and seven siblings, Ivan (Georgia), Cleon (Inez), Edith (Arvel) Rasmussen, Rulon (Shirley), Curtis (Shirley) Louise, and Wayne (Marilyn). She is survived by her children, Glendon (Wendy) of Provo, Utah, Holly (Larry) Smith of Ephraim, Utah, Joseph (Anita) of Gardnerville, Nevada, and Bart (Julie) of Provo, Utah; brother, Thurman; sister, Helen Schnebly; sister-in-law, Marilyn; brother-in-law, Owen Jacobsen; sister-in-law, Barbara Whiteley; 17 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A private service for Jane will be held for family members on December 30th at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, in Burley, Idaho with burial to follow at the Oakley Cemetery.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, all who wish to participate in attending the funeral service are asked to do so virtually by watching the live webcast that will be broadcast at 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 30th, at https://youtu.be/54GCmVFr50Y.

Condolences for Mary Jane Whiteley

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Diane Bell/ DD Schaeffer :

I’m so very sorry for your loss. Your mom was a beautiful and talented lady. She will always be in my heart and I hope you all know you will forever be family to me. God bless you all.

From Karen W Giauque:

We feel your loss, and know that Jane is in a good, good place. We appreciate the chance to participate the the funeral services through the internet, and are sure you enjoyed sharing sweet memories together.

Bill and Karen

From Russell and Shirley Lee:

We enjoyed the services that were live-streamed on the computer. We regret not being able to attend in person but because of health issues and Covid-19 we elected to keep ourselves, as well as others healthy. Russ has many fond recollections of Jane, Wayne and all other members of the family of Uncle Ted and Aunt Rhoda. God be with you.

From Mary Lou and Gary Westover:

Your mother was a dear friend to all of our family for many years, It was a joy and a privilege to know her. She was truly happy to have all of you as her family.

From Matt Mallory:

We had so much fun having your mom and dad in our home before they were moved to Provo. We sincerely loved living by them and enjoyed their friendship. Sorry for your loss, but I bet Reed was sure glad to see her.

From Candace Lee Busby:

My memories of your mother include a lovely, dark-haired woman wearing an apron - briskly walking to and from the kitchen! When we visited your home we often smelled something delicious cooking. I loved your mother's laugh, her quick wit, and her beautiful, searching eyes. I'll always be grateful for the welcoming love we felt from her during our family reunion visits. Don and I offer our sincere condolences.

From Dwight K Hale:

I am sorry to hear of your loss. I enjoyed working at Warm Springs for Reed and Jane and I am grateful for that opportunity I had to get to know them both.

From Leonard Mullen:

She was an awesome lady.

From L D Sager:

Please accept my sincere condolences at this time. Your mother was one of the most genuine people I was privileged to meet. May memories of her gentle nature linger forever with you.

From Sheila B. Adams:

My sympathy to all. What a concerned, involved and supportive Mom. I enjoyed working with her when I was a teacher in Oakley. She connected me with some of her brothers when I sold real estate,too. It was so thoughtful of her to play for all those funerals.
She was so proud of you all

From Dean and Sandra Harper:

We would like send our deepest condolences to the Whiteley family. Jane was always a women of grace, kindness and love. She was also one of the most intelligent human beings that I have ever known and I loved having very deep conversations with her on a number of issues. Her love for God, family and community is unmatched and she will surely be missed. I am sure that her reunion with Reed will be very sweet and he will received her with open arms. They have a love that will last forever.

Condolence Form

Leave a Condolence or Memory:

Your Name:

Email (optional):

A real person knows the answer: 4 plus 1 =

*Note: Comments submitted after business hours will be reviewed and posted the following business day by funeral home staff.