Jeanne Miller Page serves up sweet nostalgia with Momma Jeanne’s bake shop at Farmers Market

The Lovell Farmers Market is a vibrant showcase of local talent, where vendors gather every Friday to present their unique creations. This week the spotlight shines on Jeanne Miller Page, a talented baker whose lovingly crafted sugar cookies and sweet treats have quickly made her a favorite among marketgoers. With a warm smile and a passion for baking, Page brings a taste of nostalgia to the community with every bite from Momma Jeanne’s Bake Shop.

Jeanne’s journey to the Lovell Farmers Market is one of coming home. Born and raised in Powell, she spent much of her life away, working at Hill Air Force Base in Utah for 20 years. Yet, the pull of her roots was strong, and retirement offered the perfect opportunity to return to the place where her heart had always been.

“I was born and raised in Powell and graduated from Powell High School,” Page said. “After cosmetology school in Cody, I moved to Utah, where I met my husband and worked in missile maintenance. I retired in August and couldn’t be more excited to have moved back home to Powell.”

Jeanne’s connection to the Lovell area runs deep. Her father, Carnie Miller, was born and raised in Cowley, and many of her relatives still live in the area. This deep familial bond was a significant factor in her decision to bring her new venture to the Lovell Farmers Market, a place where she feels a strong sense of belonging.

“My dad, Carnie Miller, was born and raised in Cowley, so the people in this area are near and dear to me,” Page said. “I have lots of family members that live in Lovell and wanted to bring my new hobby to the area.” 

The journey to creating Momma Jeanne’s Bake Shop began as a simple way to relieve stress, but it quickly blossomed into a passion project. Seven years ago, Jeanne began experimenting with different baking recipes, gradually perfecting her signature sugar cookies. She spent countless hours learning from other bakers online, testing and tweaking her recipes until they were just right.

“I started out following bakers online and worked on mastering my sugar cookie recipe,” Page said. “When I retired, I moved into a small rental in town while I was building my home and started to bake. In that tiny little kitchen, I started my first orders and perfected my designs.” 

Jeanne’s cookies are more than just a treat, they are a labor of love, each one carefully crafted with attention to detail. Her designs range from intricate floral patterns to whimsical holiday themes, making them a popular choice for all kinds of events. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding or community gathering, Jeanne’s cookies add a touch of sweetness to every occasion.

“My family really encouraged me to follow my dream and are my biggest supporters,” she said. “Once I got to Powell, my family helped me get my ideas off the ground; they helped with the name and design for Momma Jeanne’s Bake Shop. A few weeks later, with the support of this community, the business was taking off and hasn’t stopped since.” 

In addition to her beautifully decorated cookies, Jeanne offers cake pops and other baked goods, all of which have become a hit at the Farmers Market. Each Friday, her booth is a flurry of activity as customers line up to purchase her sweet creations. The market, with its fast paced and friendly atmosphere, has become a highlight of Jeanne’s week.

“The Lovell Farmers Market is fast and furious and full of fun people,” Page said. “Everyone is excited to see what is available. The people are so easy to talk to and make me feel like I am part of this community.” 

Beyond the Lovell market, Jeanne also sells her baked goods at the Powell and Cody markets and takes custom orders for cookies and cake pops. Her most recent venture is hosting cookie decorating classes at the Elks Lodge in Powell on the second Thursday of every month. These classes are not just about baking, they’re about sharing the joy of creating something beautiful.

“It has been so much fun to teach others how to have fun decorating and share all of my recipes,” she said.

The sense of community in Lovell and the surrounding area is something special to Page. She cherishes the warm welcome she’s received and the support she continues to experience from locals. The small-town camaraderie, where everyone knows each other and is ready to lend a hand, is a stark contrast to the big city life she left behind.

“I just love the small-town sense of community,” Page said. 

As Jeanne reflects on her journey from a stress-relief hobby to a thriving bake shop, she remains deeply grateful for the kindness and support she’s found in Lovell.

“Thank you for being so kind and making me feel at home,” Page said. “When you come from the big city to a small town, the difference in the people is amazing. I love how friendly everyone has been and really appreciate their kindness and friendship.”