Deanna Muhlestein Swenson passed away the morning of November 30, 2025, at the age of 89.
Deanna was born in Lake View, Utah, on September 27, 1936, to Bernice Olsen and William Alvey Muhlestein. She later moved to St. George, Utah, where she spent most of her childhood.
She attended Spanish Fork High School from 1950 to 1954, where she met her sweetheart, Jack Jex Swenson. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on April 4, 1956.
The couple went on to have four sons: Clark, Curtis, Russell and Christopher.
Deanna enjoyed long car rides, spending time with her family, and sharing a can of Coke on the porch with her sister, Marcia. She liked to golf and would usually out-play Jack. She liked to paint and go to the movies so she could get movie theatre popcorn. She was an excellent cook and loved to go on adventures.
She was employed by the Nebo School District for 25 years, which included time spent working in the library at Spanish Fork Middle School.
Together, Deanna and Jack did a lot of work for the disabled community in Spanish Fork in honor of their son, Russell, who was born with Down syndrome. On December 28, 1994, Russell tragically lost his battle with cancer, a loss that was difficult for everyone.
Deanna loved her family. She attended many sporting events, performances and Church milestones (baptisms, homecomings and farewells) for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She truly was the matriarch of her family and was adored by many.
She is survived by her siblings: Marcia, Douglas and Peggy; her children: Clark (Saralee), Curtis (JoDee) and Christopher (Jennifer); her grandchildren: Matthew (Rachel), Lindsey (Johnny), Katie (Jared), Whitney (Dallun), Colby (Mindy), SheaLynne (David), Wes (Erica), Zach (Ginelle), Emily (Kip), Erin and Cade (Madison); and her 27 great-grandchildren.
Deanna was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, her son, Russell, and her parents, Bernice and Alvey.
A viewing will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Spanish Fork 6th Ward chapel (585 North Main Street in Spanish Fork, Utah). Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. immediately following the viewing. Interment will be at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.
Special thanks to the staff at Legacy House of Spanish ForkĀ for caring for her in her final months.
2 Condolences for Deanna Muhlestein Swenson
Condolences(2)
Robert Beagley says
December 4, 2025 at 3:54 amDeanna your a super awesome lady. Thanks for all you did for Spanish fork. Your a great mother. Thanks for the love you shared with everyone. God bless your family. Remember that as a child of God you are loved.
Mike C Christensen says
December 5, 2025 at 9:43 pmYour mom was such a sweet and caring person, and together with your dad they influenced so many, including me. Iāll always remember her kindness and how she took interest in me and my parents. Your family has always meant a lot to me. Sending love and prayers to you all.