Jay C. Andersen

Jay Clare Andersen, age 84 of Richfield, Utah, peacefully passed away in his home March 18, 2020. Jay was born on July 16, 1935 in Tremonton, Utah. He graduated from Blackfoot High School in Blackfoot, Idaho and attended one year of schooling at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission. Upon returning from his mission, he married Shana Kay Holt in the Idaho Falls Temple. They were blessed with five children. Jay was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in many different capacities. He served as Elders Quorum President, a member of the High Council, Bishop, Bishop’s Counselor and in many other callings. Later in life, he served with his wife as a Public Affairs Missionary in the Philippines, a Church Education System Missionary locally, and as a missionary in Historic Kirtland, and in the Independence Missouri Mission. He also served as an Ordinance Worker in the Manti Temple. Professionally, Jay sold Caterpillar equipment for Wheeler Machinery for 40 years. He loved working with and serving the contractors of Southern Utah. He was a member of the Zions Bank Area Board and the Sevier Valley Hospital Board. Jay was very active in civic service. He was the Richfield City Manager, served on the City Council and served one term as Mayor. Jay was a firm believer in the city’s motto at the time, “People Serving People” and he called on the citizens of the city to serve one another to make the city greater. He was quoted in The Richfield Reaper, “I really enjoy riding around with my wife, Shana, and seeing trimmed trees, clean streets, old buildings torn down, clean vacant lots, fresh paint, and know it wasn’t done with tax payers’ money.” Instead, it was done by People Serving People. Jay enjoyed fishing, gardening, and working in his woodshop. He had a love for people and treated everyone he met as a friend. He is survived by his wife Shana Kay Andersen of Richfield, his children: JaNae Akre, Saratoga Springs, UT; Scott (Jill) Andersen, Golden, CO; Alan (Sydney) Andersen, Mantua, UT; Steve (Natascha) Andersen, Spring Hill, TN; and Jeff (Tiffany) Andersen, Richfield, UT. 17 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; Brother, Ferron (Stenna) Andersen, Orem, UT; Sister, Jeanine (Lynn) Mickelsen, Ammon, ID; Sister-In-Law, Kathy Andersen, Pocatello, ID. He is preceded in death by his siblings: Rowayne (Marilyn) Andersen, Spencer Kent Andersen, Linda (Ferris) Wright, and Harlow Andersen. The family would like to express sincere gratitude and appreciation for the time and support given by caregivers at Zion's Way and Hospice, and for the many kindnesses and help from friends and neighbors who went above and beyond to make our lives easier. Also a thanks to the emergency responders, police and EMT’s, for their help. In lieu of flowers or donations and to honor Jay’s life, please find someone in need and share something you have with them. Private funeral services for family and close friends will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. in the Springer Turner Funeral Home Chapel, 260 North 400 West in Richfield, where there will be a viewing Monday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.