Jane E. Chugg

Jane Elizabeth Chugg was born December 31, 1943, on New Year’s Eve, to John Andrew and Ella Elizabeth Stokes Chugg in Ogden, Utah. She was the fifth child of seven children born to a dairy farmer. Jane loved her childhood growing up on the farm in the old adobe family home in Farr West. It was small but full of love. Jane adored her father and loved working on the farm with him. She was best friends with her siblings; Dale, Connie, Shirley, Marilyn, Kent, and Joe. The family is known for their amazing work ethic.

Jane was always active in school and loved to learn. She also enjoyed being a cheerleader, singing in the choir, playing piano, dancing, and debating. Jane also was a top cattle judge in High School.

Jane started college at Utah State University and married Serge Benson Simmons. While married to Serge she had the first three of her six children. During this time Jane finished her teaching degree at Weber State College and started teaching English at Bonneville High School. Serge joined the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and tragically was killed in action when Jane was only 26 years old.

Jane later married and was sealed to Darrell George Renstrom in the Switzerland Temple. They soon settled in the Ogden, Utah area. She would have her final three children while married to Darrell. Darrell was a hard-working attorney and state senator, and during this time she was often found attending his civic functions. Jane again would suffer the devastating loss of a spouse when Darrell died unexpectedly from complications of a heart attack leaving her widowed at the age of 48.

Jane was a fantastic mother and showed her children unconditional love. Her blended family never felt like they were combined – they were one united family. Her greatest desire in life was for her children’s success and happiness. Jane was an outstanding cook; her weekly Sunday meals were delicious and welcoming to all. It must be noted that butter was her favorite ingredient. She would later be awarded Mother of the Year for Weber County, a well-deserved honor.

Even with all of her familial obligations, Jane was in constant service to her church and community. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions. She had a strong testimony of the happiness Christ’s message brought her. Jane also served four years on the Dixie Institutional Council; four years on the Foundation for McKay Dee Hospital; and eight years on the Weber County Library Board (6 years as president). Her lifelong love of music also led her to volunteer for the Symphony Guild for over 20 years. Jane was also an avid genealogist who cared passionately about preserving and sharing stories and memories of her ancestors. She was very talented with needlework and created beautiful quilts for her children and grandchildren as well as cross-stitch, embroidery, crochet, and tatting work.

Jane earned her Master’s Degree in Education and went on to get a School Counseling Certificate. She worked for 25 years in various capacities for Ogden City School District. The students loved her, and many have said she was the reason they got through school.

Jane later married Kenneth Wayne Stevenson. Wayne had four children; Dirk, Brooke, Travis, and Jammi (Mike). Wayne joined Jane and her crazy family, fitting right in. Wayne may have had no idea what he was taking on, but he dove in and did a brilliant job. A few years after their marriage, Chantile, Jane’s oldest daughter tragically died from an extensive, chronic illness on June 6, 1997. She left five young children behind. Jane and Wayne took a large role in raising Chantile’s five children and were eventually able to have Samara and Sarah Jones live with them during their high school years.

Jane and Wayne later retired and were able to travel the world as well as spending time in St. George. They always came back to town for grandchildren’s graduations, games, and performances. As Jane’s health deteriorated, Wayne took care of many of the day-to-day chores. His gentle, tender care for her will always be held in her children’s hearts.

Jane died on October 13, 2024, of an extended illness. The family would like to thank Atlas Homecare & Hospice, especially her nurses Ranal and Shanna.

Jane is survived by her husband, K. Wayne Stevenson, and his four children. Also surviving are Jane’s children Wendy Simmons (Shawn) Johnson, Timothy (Maureen) Simmons, Natasha (Robert Rock) Wilson, Zachary (Alison) Renstrom, Reuben (Collette) Renstrom; her brother Dale Chugg; and sisters Shirley Chugg Taylor, and Marilyn Chugg Larsen. Finally, 21 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two on the way. She was preceded in death by her husbands mentioned above and daughter Chantile Melinda Jones, her father, John Chugg and mother, Ella Stokes Chugg, her sister Connie Chugg Chatlin, and brothers Joe and Kent Chugg.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at 11 am at the Mountain Ward, 787 E. 1700 N. North Ogden. A viewing will be held on Friday from 6-8 pm at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd. Ogden and at the church on Saturday prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 am.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com.