Mary Jane Mortensen

A woman with elegance and class is timeless.

Mary Jane Mortensen — “Janie” to most, “Mom” or “Grandma” to the lucky few — was the kind of woman who reminded the world that elegance and class never goes out of style. With her hair perfect, earrings in place, and her signature lipstick on, she was always ready for anything life had to offer — be it dinner out, a grand adventure, or simply a trip to the grocery store (where she might bump into someone she hadn’t seen since 1962).

Janie lived with flair. She laughed often, traveled far, and never said no to good food or a well-timed glass of wine. She adored turquoise jewelry, stitched intricate quilts, played beautiful music on her organ and piano, and never missed a chance to admire a piece of art (or acquire one). Shopping was practically a sport, and she played to win. Her love for people was endless— she had a sparkle that drew others in and a sharp wit that kept them on their toes. And let’s be honest: no one loved a party quite like Janie. She didn’t just attend — she was the party.

But more than anything, she loved her family. She delighted in every visit, phone call, or handwritten note from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had a brilliant mind, devouring books on history, current events, and family genealogy — with a juicy murder mystery thrown in for good measure.

Born in Ogden, Utah on September 16, 1929 at Dee Hospital to Charles Orval Carstensen and Mary Lynn Jones Carstensen, Janie’s story really began when she met the love of her life, Neal Mortensen, while attending classes at the University of Utah. They married at her parents’ farm home on December 20, 1948, beginning a life filled with love, laughter, hard work, and adventure. Together, they built a beautiful life across the West — from Salina to Ely, Peoa to finally, Richfield, where they took over the farm her parents built. They chased dreams, started businesses, and raised animals (and children) along the way.

Janie was a true partner to Neal: keeping the books, herding cows, building a legacy, and enjoying every moment spent together — especially at their beloved Three-Creeks cabin. Together they raised Beefmaster cattle, Missouri Fox trotter horses, and Churro sheep. She always said the Beefmaster cows had the most beautiful faces.

After Neal’s passing, Mary Jane embraced a new chapter in St. George, Utah, surrounded by red rocks, vibrant sunsets, and the love of her daughters. Her home there reflected her soul — full of music, plants, art, and treasures from a life well-traveled and deeply lived. She often said she was lucky to live in the most beautiful place on earth. Truth be told, any place with Janie in it was just a little more beautiful.

Mary Jane died July 4th, 2025 and was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She is survived by her children Meredith Johnson; Carsten N. (Marilyn) Mortensen; and Audrey Jackson (Jerrold Gutke); and her brother, Rod Carstensen. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Gabriella (Jason) Hunter; Vernon C. Mortensen (Angie); Danica Wilde; Kristen (Ryan) Owens; Chelsey (Clifton) Leavitt; and Elizabeth (Andrew) Coonen — and a joyful host of great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Neal, her infant daughter Margaret, her parents, her sister Patti Lou (Richard) Haslam, and her brother Richard (Susan) Carstensen.

We will miss her style, her stories, her strength, her intellect, and her sparkle. But most of all, we’ll miss the way she made every moment feel special — and every person feel loved.

Mary Jane Mortensen: timeless, graceful, full of laughter — and always dressed to the nines.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 12:00 Noon at Magleby Mortuary. A viewing will be prior to services from 10:30 to 11:30 am at the mortuary. Interment will be in the Monroe Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook www.maglebymortuary.com