Betty Jane Bickmore Davis

Betty Jane Bickmore Davis, who celebrated her 91st birthday on March 15, was the only daughter born to Rulon and LaReta Wahlen Bickmore, and the oldest of four children. Her brothers are Jack, Rulon, Dean and Jerry. Although born in Hyrum, Jane grew up primarily in Logan and graduated from Logan High School in 1943. The following year in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Jane married a naval aviator, Lt. j. g. Lehi Davis, who flew hospital and rescue aircraft in the Pacific Theater during WW II. Their marriage was solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple a short time later. Lehi was a founding partner in the Olson and Davis Construction Company, from which the family earned its living. The couple was blessed with five children: Bob (Francine) of River Heights; Carolyn Leishman of Salt Lake City; Sharon (Bob) of San Francisco; Donnie (Debbie) of River Heights; and Paul (Susan) of Boise. Jane has 13 grandchildren and 29 great grand children.
Jane lived a full and active life. She worked as the recreation department director at the Alameda Naval Air Station during the war, taught dance, swimming and lifesaving classes; was personnel manager at Z.C.M.I. and served as secretary for the Providence - Logan Irrigation Company for nearly 30 years. After the passing of her husband, Lehi, she was the president of the Olson and Davis Construction Company. Jane was a member of the USU Old Main Society and established the Lehi Davis Scholarship in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Jane was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and selflessly gave many hours of service to her church and community. She was Relief Society president on two separate occasions and the Stake Young Women’s camp director where she loved being with the girls at Camp Hunt on Bear Lake.
Assisting at the Family History Center and working on her own genealogy was a great source of pride and accomplishment for Jane. She was proud that her paternal family came to America in the early 1600s, at least one of whom was on the Mayflower. To her delight, she also discovered that she was a direct descendant of Annie Pugh Acres, a pioneer survivor of the Martin Handcart Company.
Jane pursued many hobbies during her lifetime including music, dance, sewing, swimming and traveling. She delighted friends and family with her candy making skills, and was particularly famous for her divinity. She was also known for her excellent Mexican dishes. She loved her car, loved driving it, and was known as of a bit of a “lead foot.” In her middle years, she enjoyed taking her aunts and cousins on long road trips in the Western part of the country. In later years, she looked forward to her daily phone conversations with her friend LaRee or going for rides with Annette to get a Coke.
Providing help to friends and strangers, both young and old, was her passion and gift. Jane was an excellent listener, gave sound advice, and was kind, loving, and a great source of hope to those needing encouragement. Jane also had a way of making people feel important when she talked with them. She willingly gave service and support to anyone in need and did so without fanfare. Jane was a true friend.
Being a part of the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren was one of her greatest joys. When her family was young, a trip to Lagoon was a highlight of summer. She challenged each child to ride the big rollercoaster and other breathtaking rides. After her children were grown, she relished time with her grandchildren, always being willing to change her plans at a moments notice to spend time with them. To both relatives and non-family she was, and always will be affectionately known as “Grandma Jane.”
She will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank those at the Cache Valley Assisted Living Center for their support and care during the last years of Jane’s life. The family would also like to thank Dr. Steven Salisbury and his staff for the many years of care they provided. Thanks also to the Hospice team at Cache Valley Nursing Services for their help and assistance during this difficult time. And finally, a very special and heart felt thank you to the family for their unceasing care and love.
A viewing will be held on Friday, April 29, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Allen Hall Mortuary on Center Street in Logan and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday April 30, 2016, one hour prior to the funeral. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Allen Hall Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Lehi Davis Engineering Scholarship at USU would be welcomed.