In the community of Gunnison, the family of Jan B. Roper has been navigating significant loss following her passing. According to an obituary published by Magleby Mortuary on August 30, 2026, Jan B. Roper passed away in her home on August 29, 2026. The decedent, who was 71 years old at the time of her death, died after a short battle with bladder cancer. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing.
Among those identified as survivors of Jan B. Roper is her daughter, Jessie. The obituary published on August 30, 2026, lists Jessie as a survivor alongside her brother, Jade, and her father, John. The records indicate that Jan B. Roper was the oldest of five children born to Bernus and Marilyn Blackham. Her siblings included her brothers Jon, Jack, and Jed Blackham, while her brother Jim Blackham was preceded in death.
Jan B. Roper's life was marked by a long career in education. According to the obituary published on August 30, 2026, she taught elementary school for nearly 40 years. The document notes that she was a loving mother and educator, stating that every child in her classroom was one of "her kids." The text claims she possessed the ability to see the best in all of her students and could make a child believe in themselves and their ability to succeed in school.
Her academic background included studies at North Sanpete High and Snow College. According to the obituary published on August 30, 2026, she attended Utah State University, where she earned both a Bachelor's and a Master of Education. It was during her time at Utah State that she met John Barnard Roper. The couple was married in the Manti Temple on August 11, 1977, and the obituary published on August 30, 2026, notes they shared 49 wonderful years together.
Funeral arrangements were coordinated through Magleby Mortuary, which provides services in Richfield, Salina, and Manti. A viewing for the family was scheduled for Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Gunnison Utah Stake Center, located at 80 West Center Street. Following the viewing, graveside services were held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Gunnison Cemetery. The obituary published on August 30, 2026, stated that everyone was welcome to attend all services.
For the people of the region, these records serve as a formal acknowledgment of the life and legacy of a long-serving educator. The documentation provides a clear historical account of the family structure and the professional impact Jan B. Roper had on her students over her four-decade career in the classroom.
What this means for Richfield
For the residents of the area, these records provide a formal account of the passing of Jan B. Roper. The documentation confirms her role as an educator for nearly 40 years and identifies her survivors, including her daughter Jessie, ensuring her life and professional contributions to the community are officially recorded.
