Betty Jane Freek

Betty Jane “Janie” Freek, 62, passed away September 10th, 2024 in Provo, Utah surrounded by her siblings.

She was born May 5th, 1962 in Carlsbad, New Mexico, the daughter of Mary Alta Berry and Roy Henry Freek, Jr. Janie’s exemplary fortitude & strength were forged from birth, resulting from multiple challenges Amniotic Band Syndrome presented. Over several years, repeated trips to Salt Lake City, and long hospital stays by herself, the healing talents at Primary Children’s Hospital gifted Janie with three fingers and a thumb on her right hand, straightened her left leg and made her left hip socket functional. Before birth, the ends of several of Janie’s fingers were removed from her left hand. In December 1966 she was the poster child for the 1966 March of Dimes Telethon in Carlsbad (NM).

As a young adult, Janie’s physical challenges were compounded when she was involved in a car accident that seemed to trigger fibromyalgia, followed by Sjogren’s syndrome a few years later. Finally, Janie’s later years presented kidney failure that required dialysis. Through it all Janie was stoic—rarely complaining and only acknowledging the pain when asked.

The Freek family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Carlsbad, New Mexico. When Janie’s mother was baptized in November 1961, Janie was a babe in the womb. The family relocated to Roswell, New Mexico when Janie was six years old. She graduated from Roswell High School in 1980 and later attended Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell, graduating with an Associate Degree in Accounting.

In late 1997, Janie moved to Utah to be with her mom who was living in Provo at the time and who had suffered a heart attack and stroke that summer. Janie was working the night shift (which accommodated her “night owl” schedule) at Roswell’s Target store but secured a transfer to the new Super Target in Orem. Janie also worked for Levi-Strauss in Roswell early in her career. When declining health forced an early retirement, Janie had spent 20+ years in the workforce.

Cats and dogs were the loves of her life. Her keen interest in cats enabled an ability to identify the breed of almost any cat she saw. Her care for pets meant she was a pet Samaritan whenever she happened up one that seemed lost or hurt, contacting animal control to rescue or recover the animal. She was a talented artist, played the piano, loved to macramé, and cross stitching on plastic canvas. She always signed her name upside down.

Remaining to cherish Janie’s memory are sisters Terry Rae and Peggy Marie, brothers Arthur Henry and David Wayne and niece Ambere Michelle Fitts, and grand-niece Rainee Fitts. Janie was preceded by her parents and siblings Vicki Gale, Roy Henry III, Patsy Ann, Rose Mary and nephew John Edward “JR” Fitts who Janie and the other aunts helped raise along with Ambere.

She will be buried at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. We do want to thank the Provo Hospice for their help making Janie as comfortable as possible in her final days. Lindsey, thank you for the angelic services you rendered to make Janie’s last days comfortable. Lisa, thank you, too!

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.