Vanice Rae Baker Bartlett

"You gave us everything, and now we carry your wisdom and love in our hearts, forever grateful for the life you shared with us."

 Vanice Rae Baker Bartlett passed away peacefully with her family at her side on the morning of November 26, 2024, at the age of 89, due to incidents of age. Returning home to be with her eternal companion Alan, who preceded her in death on October 19, 2022. Vanice was born March 8, 1935, in Manhattan, Kansas. Vanice’s family made their home in several locations during her youth. She lived in Manhattan, Kansas, Wichita Falls, Texas, Cedar City, Ephraim, and Price, Utah.

Vanice was the second oldest in her family and is survived by her younger brother and two sister-in-laws. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 66 years; her sister and her brother; and her parents; and one great-grandchild. 

Throughout her life, Vanice had a wide-ranging, infectious curiosity about the world; its history, its people, and their languages and religions. She became a voracious reader and explored many interests during her college and adult years. She received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University. She studied Library Science and Gifted Education masters-level courses at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana. She received a Master of Arts in History (European Emphasis) with her thesis work in Middle English Literature from Mississippi State University (MSU) in Starkville, Mississippi. She completed some of her coursework at the University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona. She later desired to continue her study of ancient languages, so she studied and became proficient in speaking, reading, and writing Hebrew. 

Vanice married the love of her life in 1956 in the LDS Salt Lake City Temple. Vanice met her husband when she and her family moved to Price, Utah during her high school years. 

Vanice and Alan had four children, three daughters and a son. When Vanice’s children entered their teens, Vanice took a teaching position at Mesa Community College. She was a history professor for twenty years and also ran the College’s tutoring center for several years. 

Alan’s educational pursuits and career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture took Alan, Vanice, and their family to several places where they made their home: Salt Lake City, UT, Price, UT, West Lafayette, Indiana, Starkville, Mississippi, Tucson, and Tempe, Arizona. Later they would also own a mountain home at Forest Lakes, Arizona on the Mogollon Rim which they called “Our Own Mountain Home So Dear.” 

Vanice and Alan enjoyed traveling to many parts of the world, both for pleasure and career-related. Vanice and Alan enjoyed their association with each of their 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren and felt joy in their accomplishments.

Vanice and her husband were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Vanice dedicated herself to serving at church and served in various teaching assignments in the Relief Society and Sunday School. Vanice and her husband, also enjoyed serving a senior mission at the Mesa Family History Center in Arizona. 

Vanice will be lovingly remembered by her 4 children and their spouses; 20 grandchildren and their spouses; 44 Great-grandchildren (1 deceased); brother and sister-in-laws; as well as numerous beloved relatives and friends.

Alan Claymore Bartlett

1934-2022

 “In our hearts, you will always stay, loved and remembered every day. Your legacy lives on in the love and values you instilled in us."

 Alan Claymore Bartlett passed away peacefully with his family at his side on the morning of October 19, 2022, at the age of 88, due to incidents of age. Alan was born June 17, 1934, in Price, Utah. Alan’s family continued to live in Price, Utah where Alan grew up and went to Carbon High School.

Alan was the second oldest in his family and is survived by his wife of 66 years. He was predeceased by his brother; and his parents; and one great-grandchild. 

Alan’s educational pursuits and career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture took Alan, Vanice, and their family to several places where they made their home: Salt Lake City, UT, Price, UT, West Lafayette, Indiana, Starkville, Mississippi, Tucson, and Tempe, Arizona. Later they would also own a mountain home at Forest Lakes, Arizona on the Mogollon Rim which they called “Our Own Mountain Home So Dear.” 

Even as a small child, Alan loved reading. He also enjoyed learning about animals and often brought home stray animals and insect specimens. His curiosity lead to Alan to pursue his education in Research Biology. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Utah. He received his doctorate from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana. Alan wore many hats in his role as a research scientist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as he worked with teams of other research scientists to eradicate insect populations that destroy cotton crops. (Boll weevil and pink bollworm) He was a geneticist, an entomologist, and a radiologist. Dr. Alan C. Bartlett was recognized in Oxford’s The Journal of Hereditary as one of the top 100 most cited authors in the field of genetics. Alan was recognized for his scientific contributions to the understanding of genetic changes within colonies of laboratory-reared insects. 

Vanice and Alan enjoyed traveling to many parts of the world, both for pleasure and career-related. He shared his research in Russia, Germany, China, and India, to name a few. Alan had the opportunity to design experiments that were sent into space. He taught classes at ASU and enjoyed teaching genetic courses to nursing students in rural areas of Arizona. 

Alan’s greatest joy was his family. Vanice and Alan had four children, three daughters and a son. Vanice and Alan also enjoyed their association with each of their 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren and felt joy in their accomplishments.

Alan and his wife, Vanice, were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Alan served in various assignments in Sunday School and Priesthood. They also enjoyed the opportunity to do a senior mission at the Mesa Family History Center in Arizona. It was a perfect assignment for a geneticist who is interested in genes and family connections.

Alan will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife; his 4 children and their spouses; 20 grandchildren and their spouses; 42 Great-grandchildren (1 deceased); brother-in-law and sister-in-law; as well as numerous beloved relatives and friends.