FARMINGTON, Utah, Feb. 3, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — The family of a Farmington woman whose body was found late last month in Shepard Canyon has published a tribute that celebrates a life lived well despite a devastating diagnosis that changed her life.
Jeanna Rochelle Reid, who died at age 26, had been the subject of a major search since she went missing in early October. Friends and supporters were buoyed by reports of possible sightings, as reported on the Facebook page Find Jeanna Reid, followed by more than 1,200 supporters.
But the truth, it turned out, was that Reid had already passed away, surrounded by the nature that always gave her solace as she tried to negotiate life shaped by schizoaffective disorder, which emerged in her young adult years.
“Many efforts were taken to help, including medication, therapy, counseling and hospitalization,” her obituary says. “Her best relief seemed to be found in nature.
“She loved being outdoors and spent many hours walking through local neighborhoods and businesses, where people often recognized and looked out for her. She loved everyone, but was especially aware of those with social or cultural differences.”
The placement of Reid’s body, which was found by hunters on Jan. 26, suggests she had been hiking a few miles from her home in an area of rocky terrain when she fell into a river, according to a page administrator’s post on Find Jeanna Reid.
“The Reid family is forever grateful to all who searched, prayed and exercised faith that Jeanna would eventually be found,” the obituary says.
As a young woman, Reid was given a blessing in her church stating she would be an “angel of mercy,” the tribute says.
“This proved true throughout her life. She was loved by many because of her compassionate, tender personality and genuine concern for others. She had a bright mind and excellent memory, remembering specific details about events and people and often surprising casual acquaintances by recalling their names.”
Reid was the fifth of eight children in her family, and grew up with a compassionate nature and love of singing and theater, her memorial says.
“She was involved in musical groups during her school years and especially enjoyed roles in community theater productions. She studied vocal music education at BYU-Idaho with the hopes of becoming a school choir director.”
That life path was altered by the emergence of schizoaffective disorder.
“Jeanna often expressed a desire to find better mental health solutions for herself and for her sister, Emily, who was diagnosed with the same disorder years ago. Emily was committed to the Utah State Hospital in 2011, by the local Behavioral Health system. This situation was particularly heartbreaking for Jeanna.
“Her family has sought diligently to understand mental illness and has been sustained by the love and prayers of many. They pray Jeanna will now be able to help Emily as an ‘angel of mercy’ beyond the veil.
“Jeanna will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched. She will be remembered for her sincerity and for her kind and honest nature. Despite great challenges, she lived a life of integrity and was true to her beliefs.”
Funeral services are set for 11 a.m. Feb. 10, next Saturday, at the Somerset Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The chapel is at 1885 Summer Wood Drive, Farmington.
The family will greet friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. just prior to the funeral, at the chapel; and from 6 to 8 p.m. the night before at the Russon Mortuary, 1941 N. Main St., Farmington.
Interment will be in the Farmington City Cemetery.
