Mary Jane Sturtevant

September 12, 1940 - December 21, 2015

Mary Jane Pixlee Sturtevant, 75, returned to our Heavenly Father’s arms on December 21, 2015 in Soap Lake, Washington. She was the beloved wife of Robert Barnes Sturtevant. Born in Wenatchee, Washington on September 12, 1940, she was the youngest daughter of Frank William and Sophie Hattie Pixlee. She grew up on the family’s wheat ranch in Ephrata, Washington. In 1958, she graduated from Ephrata High School. In 1960, she met and married her first husband, Robert Norman Swope. Mary Jane later went to Central Washington University where she studied computer programming. In 1973, she was married, and sealed for all eternity, to Robert Barnes Sturtevant. Being a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints was an important part of her life. Mary Jane had a sharp mind, a strong will, and a creative heart. While she dabbled in many creative endeavors, she found quilting brought her the most joy. Her intellect, her deep love of books, and her passion for cooking will live on in her children and their children. She is survived by her siblings Frank Pixlee, Marge Kriete, and Jean Boersma, as well as her children Dean Swope, Donna Sankey, Eva Swope, Sasha Sturtevant, Frank Sturtevant, John Sturtevant and their spouses. She leaves behind a legacy that includes 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, May Paxton, her son, Eric Swope, and her grandson, Albert Swope. Our family would like to personally thank the staff of Quincy Medical Center for their quality medical care, the numerous members of the Ephrata’s Second Ward who knew, helped, and cared for our mother during her years in their congregation, particularly Sister Penny Quist, the entire staff of McKays Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for their end of days support, and Maxine Kriete, Mary Jane’s niece, for her lifelong love, care, and dedication to our mother. A memorial service will be held by family during the summer of 2016. In lieu of flowers at this time, donations may be made to Nicoles Funeral Home to help relieve funeral expenses. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.nicolesfuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the care of Nicoles Funeral Home of Ephrata, WA.