Jean Ely

Beloved Thora Jean Bramwell Ely peacefully passed away on August 24, 2024 surrounded by her children Lisa, Gregory, David Ammon, and Julianne, in Alpine, Utah. She was the daughter of Albert Kershaw Bramwell and Thora Minnie Parker Bramwell. She was the widow of Raymond William Ely whom she married on December 21, 1956 in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Los Angeles, California Temple.

Jean was a person that when you met her you remembered her. She had such a cute sense of humor and quick wit, which brought joy to all who knew her. She loved her husband whole heart and mind. One would be hard-pressed to find a woman who loved her husband more. She was the best mother ever and always had her children's back no matter what. Just like a protective momma bear. She loved her Savior and devoted her life to Him. Some of her final words were, “He lives!”. She had pictures of the Savior surrounding her and read her beloved Book of Mormon every day to the very end!

She grew up in the Bay Area, and was born in San Francisco, California. She stayed with a family of Scottish immigrants until her parents could move into a place that would allow more than 1 child. With her musical ear she picked up the Scottish brogue, and spoke with a Scottish accent when her parents brought her home. 

She met her husband Raymond at BYU. It was LOVE at first sight! She remembered exactly what he was wearing ~ A red sweater with his beautiful black hair and green eyes. This was not the first time they actually crossed paths. Years before, they had met when Raymond had come to bring some soldiers to receive adjustments from her father, who was a chiropractor, and would help treat the service men for free. She would amusingly share that she was only wearing a slip, so she hid behind the door and wasn’t formally introduced. But they both recalled that meeting, and she would always state their union was meant to be. 

She joined the San Francisco Opera Company and later the Promised Valley Playhouse. Her voice was so strong and beautiful that she would never stand by the microphone and it would fill any venue where she performed. A recording of her singing was used for the San Francisco Nutcracker Ballet for many years. She also starred in multiple musicals at the Promised Valley Playhouse. We have fond memories at our family cabin in Napa Valley on the Russian River, where we would gather around the piano and she would sing with her father as her talented sister Bonnie, or Mother Thora, would accompany them on the piano. 

She loved painting. She and her mother would spend hours with their easels painting a barn or a nature scene. Jean's ability extended beyond just painting. She had a fantastic talent and unique style of making posters and banners for every occasion. Her posters for husband, children and grandchildren, were personalized to fit their interests. She never missed a birthday and made each celebration extra special.

She believed in her children and wanted them to have enriching experiences, and was always up for an adventure! In 1976, the bicentennial celebration of the United States, Jean’s and Raymond's love for America abounded with a family coast to coast tour across the USA, road tripping from California to New York and back, in a VW Camper Bus. Another trip worth mentioning is when they spent 6 weeks in Oahu taking classes at BYU Hawaii and surfing. 

Jean was a sports enthusiast of the most extreme kind, especially BYU sports! She loved both attending games in person or watching them on TV with her sons. Tennis was her favorite and it kept her busy in her later years. 

Jean was a gifted seminary teacher and taught early morning seminary for many years in California. She was also a second mother to many of her children's friends. When Jean spoke you listened. WIth her strong character and assurance, she was a model of graciousness and class. She even thought about writing a book on manners. She always had a handkerchief. 

Jean was very clear regarding her counsel regarding her eventual death… In her words, “Please do not be sad! I’m with Dad now and will never leave you, I love you all too much to not be watching over you and praying for you as always. Just LIVE the gospel so we can all be together again as a family…….. No empty seats!!!!! Eternally yours with love always, Mom.

Jean is survived by her children Lisa Ely Ashby, Gregory Ely, David Ammon (Vita) Ely, and Julianne Love (David) Rowley, 16 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, her parents and her sister Bonnie.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 31, 2024 in the Mountainville 1st Ward, 98 East Canyon Crest Rd, Alpine, Utah at 11:30. A viewing will be held Friday, from 5:30-7:00 at Anderson and Sons Lone Peak at 6141 W 11000 N in Highland, Utah, and on Saturday from 10:00-11:15 AM prior to the services at the church.

Jean is a joy and a bright light that will be missed by all who knew her. We know that she finally reunited with her eternal sweetheart and husband Raymond, her parents, her sister, and beloved Savior. We love you, mom, forever and always!

Please click on the link on the link below to watch Jean's service via live stream:

funeral.mv1stward.org