Diane Mae Jarman Bytheway, a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend, completed her earthly mission peacefully on December 19, 2020, surrounded by many loved ones. Diane—pronounced Deon—was an extraordinary woman with a cascade of talents too numerous to list. She was an unwavering example of devotion to family and to God, with a tireless and pure spirit. It can truly be said that in Diane there was no guile.
Diane’s extraordinary life and influence on others is best described by the following comments that poured in to her surviving family upon news of her passing: the best person I have ever known; one of kind; I’ve never met anyone like her; optimism and goodness through and through; one of the most talented people I’ve ever met; tireless; a powerhouse for decades.
Diane was born on April 19, 1930 in Salt Lake City to Vernon E. Jarman and Ethel Noall Jarman. She graduated from Salt Lake's East High School in 1947, then from the University of Utah in 1951. Later that same year, she married Jack L. Bytheway in the Salt Lake Temple. She said farewell to her husband Jack, newlyweds of only 6 months, so that he could serve for two years in the New England States Mission, from 1952–1954. She sang in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from 1952–1957. Diane was a skilled and beloved school teacher, instructing various elementary school grades, garnering a Teacher of the Year award, and earning recognition of teaching excellence from the Utah State Legislature. After teaching kindergarten for over 20 years, she retired from the Salt Lake School district in 1992. In retirement, she was an active member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, Salt Lake Cemetery Camp. For 16 years, without complaint she was a steadfast caregiver to husband Jack, who endured Parkinson's disease.
Diane was well known for always seeking to make happiness and joy with everyone she was around. She dearly loved spending time at the family property and cabin in Mount Aire canyon, and she happily devoted copious amounts of time and resources to it, ensuring that future generations would continue to enjoy its mountain verdure. She was a super organizer, who knew how to get things done. Diane was gifted with leadership which she exhibited by hard work and infectious example. When she got an idea, she knew how to make it happen. She embraced anything good, and sought to get involved. Diane excelled in her service to the Lord in callings such as Stake and Ward Relief Society President, Young Women President, youth leader, teacher, chorister and pianist, to name only a few. Her expert direction and artistic flair made legendary her many productions, plays, Road Shows, and Spring Sings. Diane enjoyed good health, and well into her 80s she exercised three days per week at her local Curves. The Curves workers knew her well and even celebrated her 89th birthday with her at their location.
Diane is survived by her sons David L. (Linda) Bytheway, Kendrick L. (Kris) Bytheway, and John G. (Kim) Bytheway, and her daughters Jeri (John) Benson, Sally (Mike) Brinton, and Becky (Wayne) Wengreen; 27 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren, one brother (John [Carol] Jarman), and one sister (Rosemary [Larry] Montgomery). She was preceded in death by Jack, her husband of 53 years, her sister, Jeri, and her infant grandson, Thomas John.
The family is grateful to the Aspen Ridge West staff for their attentive care. Funeral services will be streamed beginning at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 2, from Wasatch Lawn Mortuary at www.facebook.com/wasatchlawnmemorial.
Due to the pandemic, only family members will be invited to attend the services in person. The interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery at 3401 Highland Drive.
