Jack Berdean Holt

Jack Berdean Holt, a lifelong farmer and cherished resident of Enterprise, Utah, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on January 2, 2025. Born on June 1, 1945, in Cedar City, Utah, Jack was the fourth of six children to Howard and Verna Burnham Holt. He grew up with his siblings—Deon, Gary, Lana Gale, Marilyn, Jan, and foster siblings Emma, Lillie, Barbara and Alice—in a home filled with love, hard work, and devotion to family.

Jack was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather deeply devoted to his large and loving family. He was loved by his wife of 61 years, Roma Kaye Jones Holt, and their nine children, which he often referred to as his three and a ½ dozen kids. He currently has a posterity of 97 in his family, with two more great-grandbabies coming soon. Jack’s heart knew no bounds, and he adored each family member beyond measure.

From an early age, Jack developed a deep love for farming. He followed in his father’s footsteps, learning the trade with pride and precision. As a child, he would watch how his dad made the hay and emulate him by mowing the lawn, raking the clippings, and carefully shaping the grass into small bales tied with elastic bands—a reflection of his early interest in agriculture.

He always had a deep faith, with a strong testimony in the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ that guided his actions as he was kind and generous, especially with those in need.

He and Kaye served a 12-month mission at the Regional Family History Center in St. George, Utah. This grew into a rewarding three-year commitment, reflecting their deep dedication to serving others and preserving family legacies.

During his retirement, Jack was often asked about his career. He'd chuckle and say he was a 'Jack of all trades.' While farming held a special place in his heart, he recognized the need for a stable income to support his family. To this end, he dedicated 31 years of his life to the Union Pacific Railroad.

His farm, famous for its sweet corn, was a local favorite during August. Jack often shared his bounty, delivering fresh produce to those in need. He strongly supported the Navajo community, offering employment and assistance whenever possible. Jack's compassionate spirit and acts of service will be deeply missed.

Jack is survived by his wife, Roma Kaye, and their nine children: Jacquelyn (Shawn) Hurley of Highland, UT; Troy (Sherrie) Holt of Moses Lake, WA; Cory (Chanda) Holt of Henderson, NV; Kevin (Mindy) Holt of Herriman, UT; Hollie (Ben) Critchfield of Evanston, WY; Heather (Rydel) Reber of Enterprise, UT; Jennifer (Brian) Fuller of Olympia, WA; Heidi (Jared) Moody of Enterprise, UT; and Nathan (Jacque) Holt of Washington, UT; his siblings Deon Holt of Tucson, AZ; Lana Gale (Jerry) Esplin of St. George, UT; Jan (Sam) Larson of St. George, UT; Sister-in-law Joyce (Errol) Draper of St. George, UT; his foster siblings Emma Lynn, Lillie Touchin, Barbara and Alice as well as 43 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Verna Holt, and siblings Gary Holt and Marilyn Jones and Sister-in-law Diane Holt.

Jack’s family and the communities of Enterprise and Sunriver will deeply miss his generosity, humor, and kind heart.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11:00a.m. at the Enterprise Stake Center, 80 South Center Street, Enterprise, Utah. Visitations will be held at the same Stake Center on Saturday, before services, from 9:00-10:30a.m. 

Interment will follow at the Holt Cemetery.

Livestream may be viewed from the link below.