LaMont Russell Jessop

LaMont Russell Jessop (72) passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at his home in Wellsville, Utah, ending a courageous 6-month battle with cancer. With his wife and children beside him, he was released from this life just 8 hours after being released from the hospital. Significantly, he died on his dad’s birthday.

 Born on March 1, 1952, in Logan, Utah, Mont was the 2nd son of Lester Don and Dortha (Baxter) Jessop, both of whom preceded him in death. Mont is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Yvonne (Darley) Jessop; his children and their spouses: Annie (Jason) Miller of Providence, UT; Risa (Dave) Jense of Pleasant Grove, UT; Carson (Melissa) Jessop of Santaquin, UT; and his 10 adoring grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother and sister-in-law, Craig and RaNae (Remund) Jessop of Providence, UT; many dear cousins, nieces and nephews, and his mother's three sisters: Aunt LoisAnn (Bill-deceased) Hoskins, Aunt Bonnie (Mel Roy) Lemon, and Aunt Donna (AJ) Pearson.

 Mont grew up in Millville, Utah. Even as a young boy, he was a hard worker. He was only 2 years old when his father, Don, was paralyzed and in a wheelchair. (Mont had no memories of his father ever standing.) Mont and Craig had extra responsibilities from then on. Mont stayed close to home and his Mom and Dad. He was his Dad’s legs, and they had many adventures together. 

 Mont attended Millville Elementary School, South Cache Junior High, and graduated from Sky View High School where he was active in athletics, especially football. He attended Utah State University for one year on an athletic scholarship; he was also at Ricks College (BYUI) for a short time until a shoulder injury sidelined him. He also played baseball in high school and was the catcher on a commercial fast pitch baseball team later on.

Mont was an Elder (High Priest) in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was the unofficial greeter from the seat in the corner on the back row, and had recently been sustained as the Elders Quorum Secretary.

 Mont met Yvonne Darley of Wellsville, Utah, in 8th grade.  Ten years later, on September 10, 1976, they were married in the Logan Temple. They honeymooned in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. They spent their 48th wedding anniversary in the Logan Regional Hospital. 

Growing up in Millville, there were always morning chores and evening chores. For years, he and his brother milked two cows each night and morning, pulling the milk cans to the side of the road to be picked up by the milk truck. There were calves or steers or lambs to take care of, chickens to feed, eggs to gather, maybe a pig once in a while-and always fences to fix and ditches to clean and yard to clean up. Even at night, he and his brother and Aunt Dixie would catch nightcrawlers to sell for a little spending money. Lots of summers, he hauled hay for Joe Parker in Mt. Sterling. And then there were the horses. He had some really good ones. One of Mont's regrets was that he didn't take a picture of each of his horses. Priscilla, Windy, Cowboy, Jazzy, Pistol, Roanie, Butler, Poncho, and Lefty to name a few. Mont also had goats once in awhile, and then there was Pepe' our donkey. He was a fixture in Wellsville as well as in Millville.

 Mont really enjoyed the hunting season. Deer, elk, pheasant, and grouse. But in fact, he just loved riding in the canyon. Mont raised and trained horses in his younger days. He built his own arena back in the 60s, digging one post hole a night after school. He shoed his horses and doctored his horses and participated in roping events throughout the region. For many years, he was a member of the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association and qualified for the Wilderness Circuit Finals in 1991 and 1992. He roped in many rodeos and brought along his family cheering section all summer long. 

 Mont worked for 35 years at the USU Physical Plant, retiring as Foreman of the Heavy Equipment Operators Shop. After retirement, he could give his full attention to what he lovingly referred to as the ROCKIN 8 LAND AND LIVESTOCK located in Millville and Nibley. He had a few horses, a few steers, a few acres, a little barn, sometimes chickens and turkeys, even a black rabbit he bought from Bailey, and always a dog. Forrest, Reba, Cocoa, Freckles, Pups, Thumper, Schulz and Chinook were some of them.  Mont believed what his dad had always said: "A good dog is better company than most humans." He also loved that he could ride for the Cattlemen's Association and keep track of the cattle in Millville Canyon and Blacksmith Fork Canyon.

 Mont loved his kids and his grandkids fiercely. His greatest joy came from watching them and supporting them wherever they performed—whether it was on a football field or in a gymnasium; on a baseball field or on a wrestling mat, or even on a recital stage.

 Mont was a man of few words, but when he did speak, he was usually spot on. He also adhered to his father’s advice: “If you’re not 20 minutes early, you’re 10 minutes late.” And countless times during the last 6 months, we have heard him say, “It is what it is.” 

 Funeral services will be on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 11 am at the Wellsville Stake Center, 30 South Center Street. Friends may call Tuesday from 6 pm to 8 pm at White Pine Funeral Services, 753 South 100 East, Logan, Utah, and prior to services on Wednesday from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at the Wellsville Stake Center. Graveside service will be in the Millville City Cemetery.

Special thanks to Dr. Manning and his team at the Logan Cancer Center. 

LaMont's funeral service can be viewed below.