Allen Vance

Allen Lamont Vance
Focused on Faith, Family and Service

On February 26, 2025, Allen Lamont Vance, son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, completed his earthly mission at the age of 95. He passed away peacefully in Bountiful, Utah, from causes related to age, having fought the good fight, and faithfully fulfilling the work he was sent here to do.

Allen often described himself with humor and honesty, acknowledging his imperfections and his constant striving to improve—though not without occasional slips, rebellious streaks, kicks against the pricks, challenging questions, moments of stubbornness, and even a few choice words. He would jokingly question whether it was insubordination or self-righteousness, but never pride. He avoided pride by embracing a deep sense of gratitude and joy for the abundant blessings in his life. Above all, Allen had a firm, undying testimony of the divinity of his Savior, Jesus Christ. He understood his personal commitment to God and the earthly pursuit of eternal goals.

Family, Faith, Service, and Love

Born on May 23, 1929, in Fairview, Utah, to Glen Elroy Vance and Marjorie Verna Fowles Vance, Allen was the fourth of seven children and affectionately called “the golden link” by his mother, as he was the middle child among his siblings. He grew up in a loving, hard-working family that instilled in him a strong work ethic and love for life.

On January 25, 1957, Allen married Norma Jo Stocking in the Salt Lake Temple after meeting her while serving as missionaries in the New England Mission. Together, they raised their family in Bountiful, Utah, though they also spent time in Soda Springs, Idaho, during their children's early years. Later in life, Allen and Norma served a mission together in the England Birmingham Mission, where Allen worked as Financial Secretary and Norma as Mission Secretary.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Allen served as a temple ordinance worker in both the Salt Lake and Bountiful Temples and held numerous leadership roles within his ward and stake. Allen was actively involved in family history, genealogical research, and temple work, dedicating countless hours to preserving and honoring the past while helping others with their own research.

Allen expressed his love through thoughtful acts of service, always looking for ways to lighten burdens, lend a hand, and share his blessings. Even in his later years, he remained steadfast in seeking opportunities to serve and lift others whenever he could.

Allen was a devoted husband and father, caring for his sweetheart and eternal companion, Norma, with unwavering love and dedication as her health declined, until her passing in 2015. She was the light of his life. Allen also found great joy in his posterity, delighting in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He took a genuine interest in their lives, always encouraging them to live uprightly before the Lord and to follow the Savior’s example.

Education, Military Service, and Career

After graduating from North Sanpete High School in 1947, Allen worked on the 280,000-acre Deseret Livestock Company Ranch before being drafted into the Army during the Korean Conflict in 1951.

A lifelong learner, Allen earned a BS in Geology from Brigham Young University in 1959. His career included working as a right-of-way designer for the Utah State Road Commission, a geologist and mining engineer with Monsanto in Soda Springs, Idaho, and as a mining engineer for the US Geological Survey/Bureau of Land Management in Salt Lake City and Price, Utah. He retired in 1994.

Hobbies and Interests

Allen had a passion for travel, mapping out countless road trips and international adventures. He loved the outdoors, enjoying deer hunting, trout fishing, and working in his flourishing garden. He raised many crops of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, carefully preserving much of his harvest and generously sharing it with others.

A true handyman, Allen tackled projects ranging from electrical work, plumbing, intricate rock work, to carpentry, furniture building, and upholstering. He never hesitated to help with housework and loved shopping for food and trying new recipes. His cranberry pies became a cherished Thanksgiving tradition, a recipe he lovingly carried on from his mother.

Allen’s love for music spanned many genres, from pop and classical to his particular fondness for country western. A talented artist, he expressed his creativity through pencil, watercolor, and oil paintings. In his later years, he discovered a passion for puzzles, with a keen eye for detail. His love for collecting things extended to coins, stamps, fossils, and rocks, and he delighted in sharing these treasures with his family.

Survived By

He is survived by his five children: Scott (Ann Marie), Farmington, UT; Jay (Dixie), Reno, NV; Kent (Heather), Bountiful, UT; Ann (Michael) Lundquist, Bountiful, UT; Wendy (Troy) Wood, Farmington, UT; 23 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Winnie Neilson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Norma, infant daughter Emilie, and five siblings.

Appreciation

The family is deeply grateful for the devotion of cherished caregivers and wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the medical professionals who offered their patience, compassion, kindness, and attentive care to Allen throughout the years. We are especially thankful to the staff at Legacy House of Bountiful, where Allen made his home for the past eight years. Our sincere appreciation also goes to the Legacy House Branch Presidency and leaders for their dedication and thoughtful kindness.

Funeral Service Details

Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.
Viewing: 9:00–10:15 a.m.
Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home, 1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy, South Jordan, UT 84095
Interment: South Jordan Cemetery with Military Honors

The service will be available online. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Fund.

Click this link to view additional details about Allen's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/allen-vance-2025