Mary Jane Parkison Cozzens, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born in Encampment, Wyoming, on March 4, 1935, to Hoyt Shields Parkison and Hila Clifford Parkison.

Mary Jane attended school in Encampment and graduated with a scholarship to the University of Wyoming at Laramie. She met Richard Oliver Cozzens at a Lambda Delta Sigma church dance in October. They were engaged by December, married in Encampment on June 20, 1954, and sealed in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple two days later. After Richard graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in civil engineering, they moved to Moab, Utah, in June 1954, where he was employed by the City of Moab as assistant city engineer.

They were the loving parents of seven children: David Richard Cozzens (Carri), Debra Kay Cozzens (deceased), Karen Lynn Cozzens Acerson (Jeff), Elaine Cozzens Wood (Larry—deceased), Paul Edward Cozzens (Mary), Jennifer Cozzens Nelson (Randy), and Ellen Cozzens James (Rick). She is also survived by her sister, Martha Ellen Morris, of Salem, South Dakota.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard Oliver (2018); her daughter, Debra Kay (2009); her brother, Ed Hoyt Parkison, of Baltimore, Maryland; son-in-law, Larry Wood; grandson, Andrew James; and great-grandson, Cameron Wood.

Mary Jane always wanted to be a mother, and family was her greatest love and priority. Her 27 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren brought her immense joy, and she worried over and prayed for each one. She lovingly cared for her second child, Debbie, who was born with cerebral palsy, and her husband, who was wheelchair bound for the last 46 years of his life. She inspired others with her unconditional love, service, and hard work. She was courageous, resilient, self-reliant, and always found a way to overcome life’s many challenges. After the passing of her daughter and husband, she wrote a book titled Life by the Inch, in which she chronicled her inspiring story.

Mary Jane had a unique gift for forming lasting friendships and being a steadfast friend. Some beyond her family also called her “Grandma”. She was loved by all who knew her and was seldom without visitors during the last few years of her life.

Mary Jane had great faith. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and diligently followed the teachings and example of her Savior. She served in several positions in the Moab Third Ward, including as a counselor in the Relief Society and Young Women organizations. She was an outstanding visiting teacher, ministering to others throughout her life despite her own challenges. She viewed it as a sacred assignment, as she demonstrated our Savior’s love through her service.

In 2024, when she could no longer live independently, she left Moab and her beloved friends and moved to Spring Gardens, a senior living community in Lindon, Utah. She loved maintaining her independence, participated in many activities, and made new friends who were dear to her. The family is deeply grateful for the sincere love and care she received there. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to all her caring medical professionals, including those who cared for her on her final day at American Fork Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, honoring her lifelong legacy of service to others.

A viewing will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., both at the Moab Third Ward LDS Chapel located at 701 Locust Lane in Moab, Utah. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment will follow in the Grand Valley Cemetery, Moab.

Those who are unable to attend can participate through a video link found at the bottom of Mary Jane’s obituary on the Mitchell Funeral Home website, www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends and family are always welcome daily and may share memories of Mary Jane online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.