Elizabeth Jane Hepworth, daughter of Allan M. and Anagene Hepworth, passed away from complications of pneumonia on Tuesday, April 16, 2013. Jane was born May 12, 1966 in Afton and was welcomed by two older sisters and four older brothers. Shortly after her birth it became apparent that something was amiss and she was taken to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City for evaluation. Doctors there determined that she had the genetic condition now commonly known as Down's Syndrome. On the advice of physicians and others, her parents made the painful decision to place her in a state training school. However, experts there recommended the opposite. They strongly encouraged her parents to take her home to love, care for, and raise her in a normal environment. With relief and joy they did so and Jane grew up and flourished in her family home.
At eight-years-old, Jane became one of the first children with differing abilities to be mainstreamed in the public school system. She attended Afton Elementary completing Kindergarten through third grade. She was accepted and loved by her teachers and peers. Then a new opportunity opened. Jane was enrolled at the C-V Ranch in Jackson Hole. She attended for eight years, graduating at age 21. She learned academic and self-care skills and enjoyed wonderful activities including her introduction to Special Olympics. Jane won multiple medals in running, bowling, skiing, and basketball over many years of participation. After graduation from C-V, Jane became a client with Mountain Regional Services in Evanston. She was able to live successfully and semi-independently in a group home and made many friends while continuing to learn and enjoy life. In 2007 Jane was able to move home to Afton because of the wonderful program and people at Lincoln Self Reliance. She lived her remaining years happily making more friends, enjoying shopping and other activities, and attending family gatherings as often as possible. Jane loved people. She loved meeting new friends and introducing her acquaintances to each other. She loved music and listened for hours to her favorite albums while singing along. She also loved her family and took great pleasure calling them to talk whenever possible. Jane influenced the lives of many people because of her cheerfulness, her sense of humor, and her unconditional love. Jane was preceded in death by her father, Allan M. Hepworth. She is survived by her mother, Anagene Hepworth; sisters JoAnna Chaves and Nancy McGary; and her brothers, George R. Hepworth, Thomas A. Hepworth, Samuel C. Hepworth, and Jack M. Hepworth. Many nephews, nieces and cousins also love and will miss Jane. Jane's family has set up a donation account in her name at the Bank of Star Valley. Donations to the account will be used to fund a memorial in her name at the Lincoln Self Reliance home, where she was cared for and loved by the staff. We want to remember Jane, as well as the kind and dedicated folks who took such good care of her. Donations are suggested in lieu of flowers.