Arlene Chasty Jeffs Grant Callahan

By Sun Advocate

PRICE – Arlene Chasty Jeffs Grant Callahan passed away October 2 at Pinnacle in Price. She was born July 20, 1926, to Hilma Annie Frandsen and Elmer Jeffs, in Castle Dale, Utah. She lived most of her 89 years of life in Castle Dale except for some time in Wyoming, Illinois, Salina, Emery and Price, Utah.
Despite serious health problems at various times through her life, Arlene has always been a vital and active woman. As a member of the LDS Church, she taught 29 years in the Primary, Sunday School, was secretary of the MIA, and Public Affairs Director of Castle Dale First Ward. She served many years as a devoted Relief Society Teacher and was instrumental in bringing the Cub Scouts to Emery County in the early 1960’s. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.
Arlene was always on the go–from watching her sons and grandkids ball games, to leading the Senior Citizens Band to organizing the Pennies by the Inch drive. She had a zest for life that many of us envied, and she knew just how to make each person feel special. When she walked into a room you could feel the energy and love of life that kept her young at heart. She served as a full time proselyting missionary in Roanoke, Virginia, Manti Temple worker, and was a family history missionary in Salt Lake with her husband, William Callahan. She had a deep and abiding testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and willingly served wherever she was called. She retired from full‑time work as Activity Director at the Emery County Nursing home, was Emery County Senior Citizens and RSVP Director, and devoted many years of her life in caring for the elderly.
She and her first husband Joseph Stanley Grant eloped December 27, 1950, and spent their honeymoon in Yellowstone Park. Joe got a ticket for picking a water lily for his bride. Joe never joined the Church, but Arlene always retained her testimony and desire to be active. Her dream of a temple marriage materialized when she was sealed in the Manti Temple to William (Bill) Harvey Callahan 15 August 1992. Joe died December 5, 1980, and Bill died November 10, 1997.
Arlene was the mother of two sons J.J. (Cynthia) of Orangeville and Brent (Kim) of Winfield, West Virginia. A great delight in her life were her 8 grandchildren: Robert (Michelle), Stephen (Gretchen Osbourne), Geoffrey (Nichole), Kenneth (Michelle Hernandez), and Eric (Ilene) Grant and Cheryl (Ryan) Maughan; Amber (Reed) Baumgart and Jolene (David) Ware. She leaves behind 19 great grandchildren and many more step children, and step grand and great-grands. She loved them all alike.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Hilma and Elmer Jeffs, and brothers Elmer, Morris, Earl, and Pearl Jeffs. She also had twin brothers who died at birth. She is survived by a sister Ruth Christiansen of Manti, her two Grant sons and spouses as well as many grand and great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and her beloved Callahan children.
The family wishes to thank publicly the kind care given her at Pinnacle Nursing and Rehabilitation in Price.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. October 6 in the Stake Center, Main Street, Castle Dale. A viewing will be held 6-8 p.m. October 5 at Fausett Mortuary in Castle Dale and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Castle Dale Stake Center prior to the services at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Castle Dale Cemetery entrusted to the care of Fausett Mortuary. Family and friends may sign the guest book and share memories of Arlene at www.fausettmortuary.com.