Betty Jeanne Chipman

1919-2012

The family of Betty Jeanne Saville Chipman celebrates the life of our mother who passed away peacefully on July 1, 2012 in Salt Lake City, Utah at the age of 93. She was a truly great lady who enriched the lives of many.

Our mother was born March 21, 1919 in Ogden Utah to Leslie Howard Saville and Ione May Wilcox Saville. She attended East High School and Brigham Young University. She married D. LuZell (Chip) Chipman on June 21, 1941 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together she and Dad had six children: Vickee (Richard) Wheatley, Carol (deceased), David (Cheryl Lewis), Stephen (Paula Guilmette), Robert (Laura Stohl), James.

Mom devoted much of her time and energy as both a student and a teacher of the gospel in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, in addition to serving in many musical capacities. She and Dad filled a full-time mission at the Visitor’s Center of the Washington DC Temple; they also served on the Temple Square Concert Series Committee for many years. When Mom was young she would ask her older relatives to tell her family stories and thus developed a great interest in family history and research.

Betty Jeanne’s passion for music was greatly influenced by her talented parents and siblings. She had a beautiful singing voice and began performing for various women’s groups and community venues from an early age. She performed in musical productions at East High School and Brigham Young University, thereby developing a great love of opera. She also was a member of the Salt Lake Opera Company, the Oratorio Society and the Tabernacle Choir. She was always in high demand as a soloist.

Our mother was an instinctive and gifted teacher. After starting her family, she began her teaching career by giving vocal lessons in her home studio, teaching neighborhood young people and friends. From there she was asked to join the music faculties of both the University of Utah and BYU. Her influence touched the lives of thousands of students, many of whom have won local, regional and national competitions and performed at major opera companies worldwide. In her 90th year, she authored a book on her vocal techniques that is used as a text in multiple universities. She continued teaching until the last week of her life.

She was a charter member and past president of the Utah chapter of National Association of Teachers of Singing and a member of the Utah Music Teachers Association. She was also a guest presenter, clinician, and adjudicator for many music clinics, workshops and conventions. Mother also served on many boards including American Mothers, Art Councils, and local musical theater groups. She was honored by receiving the prestigious Camerata Award from the University of Utah School of Music in her 90th year.

At her passing, Betty Jeanne was greeted by her husband Chip, daughter Carol and grandson, Robert Clark Chipman. Mom will be deeply missed by her 5 children and their spouses, 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and by all who were touched by her radiant love and gracious spirit.

Our deepest gratitude goes to our brother Jamie who has lovingly cared for our mom over the last ten years which allowed her to maintain such a full life.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 on Sat July 7, 2012 at the Cottonwood Stake Center, 1250 East 4800 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. Family and friends may call Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, and from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to the services at the church.