Lou Jean Swan Findlay

Lou Jean Swan Findlay passed away on February 21, 2025, at the age of 98. She was born April 15, 1926, in Ogden, Utah to William Leslie Swan and Louise Brotherton Swan. She attended Ogden City Schools, graduating from Ogden High School in one of the first graduating classes.

Lou Jean entered the workforce early, during her senior year in high school. Her first job was building ammunition boxes for the war effort. She possessed excellent secretarial skills, good organizational skills, and an outstanding work ethic. She worked in the legal field and the political field and retired from the Forest Service. The highlight of her career was running a field office for Congressman Gunn McKay. She enjoyed being politically active and up to date on current events.

Lou Jean married Blaine Rice, from whom she was later divorced. That union produced a son, Paul Rice. She married Blair Findlay, with whom she had two more children, Leslie and Teresa. She also gained four stepchildren, Gordon, Doug Carol Anne, and Jim. Blair and Lou Jean were married for 58 years until his death in 2009.

Blair and Lou Jean enjoyed traveling, camping, and spending time at their summer cabin at Bear Lake and their winter home in Ivins. In addition, Lou Jean enjoyed reading, hand embroidery, and was passionate about watching birds. She was a true Jazz fan and loved to watch them, even when they were losing.

Lou Jean is survived by her son, Gordon (Shirie, deceased) Findlay; daughters, Carol Anne (Dave) Carter, Leslie (Brent) Vaughn, and Teresa (Barry) Sanderson; and daughters-in-law, Susan (Douglas deceased) and Patricia Rice (Scott) Sutherland. She has been blessed with 19 grandchildren, numerous great and great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Blair; sons, Paul Rice, Douglas Findlay, and Jim Findlay; daughter-in-law, Shirie Howard Findlay; grandson, Brandon Rice; her parents; brothers, Gordon (Nita) Swan and John Richard (Nell) Swan; and a sister, Barbara (George) Nicholls. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Thatcher Brook Rehab, Raintree Assisted Living, and Cascade Springs Hospice for their care at the end of Lou Jeans’s life. Special thanks to Ina and Theresa for helping care for Lou Jean so she could remain in her home. Also, thanks to Ruby, her special swim partner, and all her friends at Three Fountains for their fellowship, care and concern.

Per Lou Jean’s request, no viewing or funeral will be held. Graveside services will be held Friday, February 28, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park 4500 Washington Blvd. A luncheon will be held following the service at Three Fountains Clubhouse, 325 East 2550 North, North Ogden. Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.