Roxanna Tippetts

Roxanna Vivian Burt Hauenstein Tippetts, aka Grandma Rock, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on September 3, 2023 leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Her life's journey, which began on February 15, 1940, in Seattle, Washington, was filled with boundless dedication to her family, faith, and a joyful, optimistic spirit that touched the hearts of all who knew her. Born to Pauline Sarah Burt, Roxanna's early years were marked by the nurturing love of her mother for a short time. Losing her sweet mother at a young and tender age was one of the many challenges she would encounter, but overcome with grace and faith. During this time, she was adopted by her father, Dewayne Hauenstein. The family relocated to Brigham City, a place that became her lifelong community. In 1952, Roxanna's life took a significant turn when she was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Finally, she found a sense of belonging and purpose, immersing herself in various roles within the Church. Her dedication knew no bounds. Music held a special place in Roxanna's heart. Her collaboration as chorister with talented pianist, Tyler Fox, was particularly cherished in Primary. She served in numerous positions spanning generations: Primary teacher, Blazer Leader on the Primary Stake Board, and as both a Cub Scout leader and a member of the stake board in Cub Scout leadership. She served as a Young Women’s President, and a secretary or a counselor in many presidencies. Visiting Teaching was very fulfilling. She touched many lives through her love and service to the sisters she visited. Through her callings and roles, she nurtured the spiritual and mental growth of both the young and old. She invited the Spirit through pure love and helped lead by her unwavering example. Roxanna's musical talents extended to her involvement in the Box Elder Symphonic Choir for many years. Some of her most memorable moments were performing as Frosty the Snowman at Temple Square. Frosty is a beloved costume she created through numerous drawings, prayers, persistence and determination. Frosty’s presence was magical in other locations and settings including, elementary schools, work parties, and family gatherings. She started her own center for learning called, “Learning and Growing Together Preschool”. Beyond learning letters, numbers, shapes, colors, and how to write their names. Little ones were taught, nurtured and inspired through music, hands on experiments, stories and playing. Holidays were always fun with songs, art projects, and food. Over her 22 years of teaching, hundreds of mini loaves of bread were baked, pounds of homemade fresh butter was made, and gallons of fresh vanilla ice cream were churned – made in an old fashioned ice cream maker that the children took turns cranking. Roxanna had a unique talent for crafting. Roxanna's creative flair extended to sewing. She expertly crafted Halloween costumes, consistently winning first prize for her innovative designs. Grandma Rock also used her sewing skills to make special occasion dresses, including; prom dresses, blessing outfits/dresses for grandchildren, baptism day dresses, and her granddaughter's wedding dress. These were all tailored with a labor of love that brought immense joy to her heart. Baking was another of Grandma Rock’s talents. Her home, always filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread, was a welcoming treat for her family and friends. She also created exquisite birthday and wedding cakes. She shared her famous fudge, caramel popcorn, and other desserts for family, friends, and neighbors. Roxanna had an artistic side, finding solace in tole painting, and also ceramics. She meticulously cut wood, and then would finish with intricate painted designs. Her painted creations found homes at various craft booths in Brigham City, where they were cherished and admired by those who acquired them. Her DIY spirit extended to construction projects. Roxanna undertook the ambitious task of building a basement apartment. With determination and skill, she tackled every aspect of the project. From building walls to drywall installation to professionally inspected electrical work, her skills were present. She even took on the tasks of tiling the bathrooms, setting toilets, and painting every nook and cranny. Her tenacity and craftsmanship shone brightly in this endeavor. Roxanna's own home exemplified her creative touch. She undertook the extensive project of refurbishing her 1935 residence, restoring it to its former glory. Her dedication to preserving its historical charm was a testament to her love for her home and the community. In April 2012, Roxanna's life took another beautiful turn when she met Jerald Jensen. Their friendship blossomed into a deep and meaningful connection. Jerald became her unwavering support system, accompanying her to countless chemotherapy appointments, sometimes making the trip twice a week to Ogden. Roxanna affectionately referred to him as her "friend with benefits"– the benefits being a haircut for him and dinner for her. They shared a sense of humor, having self-proclaimed, “teenage love with wrinkles.”Jerald's presence in her life was a true blessing, bringing laughter and joy during challenging times. Roxanna is preceded in death by her husband, James William Tippetts. She also joins her mother, Pauline Sarah Burt Hauenstein, her father, DeWayne Edgar Hauenstein, and her stepmother, Vaudis Hauenstein. Additionally, she has reunited with her step-brothers, Danny and Michael Hauenstein. Roxanna is survived by her half-sister, Lavonne Manuel, and step-sisters Gwen Rupp, and Karen Hauenstein. Grandma Rock’s legacy lives on through her surviving family members, who continue to cherish her memory. Her daughter, Janna (Todd) Maddox and their daughter, Tanna (John) Bills with their girls: Dani and Rachel Bills; son, Jimmy (Charlene) Tippetts and their children: Seth, Christian (Emma-girlfriend) Zoe Tippetts; son, Joel (Elaine) Tippetts and their children: Brayden, Zack (girlfriend Pricilla), and Harrison Tippetts; daughter, Joy (Kevin) Welch, along with their children: Darian (and his daughter Vanessa), Brynlee (Jacob) Buhler, Kordell (Tenna), Lance, and Benjamin Welch. The family will continue to carry the torch of her love, her resilience, and remember the lessons she imparted. Grandma Rock’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her wonderful friend, Jerald Jensen, her bonus “sisters” Mary Sue Lundahl, and Lois Cottle. Dr. Carl Gray and his nursing staff, along with Lynn, Jan, Kylee, Kelly at Utah Hematology Oncology; Lindee Allen, and Kellie Nielson from the Brigham Medical Clinic. Also Rob Phelps, Steve Evans, and Angel Estes from Tender Care Home Health and Hospice. Their compassionate care and support during her health journey were essential. Todd Sloan for playing bagpipes at the cemetery, and Brigham City Central Ward Relief Society for compassionate service following the celebration of Roxanna’s life. Her legacy of faith, love, joy, and optimism lives on forever. Darian K. Welch, Jimmy Tippetts, Joy Welch, and family The viewing is scheduled for Monday, September 11, 2023, at 9:00 am MDT, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am MDT. Both will be held at Brigham City LDS Central Ward, 506 South 200 East, Brigham City, Utah, 84302. For those who cannot make it in person, a live stream of the funeral service will be available at https://my.gather.app/remember/roxanna-tippetts. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the General Missionary Fund or The American Cancer Society. In the spirit of Roxanna's love for storytelling and shared memories, we invite you to leave your cherished memories of her on the memorial page. Your pictures, stories, and thoughts will serve as a lasting tribute to Roxanna's beautiful life. Send condolences to www.gfc-utah.com