Events
Evening Viewing
LDS Chapel located at 7336 South 3200 West, West Jordan, UT 84084Friday Mar 21, 2025 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Viewing Prior
LDS Chapel located at 7336 South 3200 West, West Jordan, UT 84084Saturday Mar 22, 2025 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Funeral Service
LDS Chapel located at 7336 South 3200 West, West Jordan, UT 84084Saturday Mar 22, 2025 11:00 AM
Jennifer Marie Gates, age 36, died 1 March 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah, of causes related to a congenital heart defect. She was born on 18 August 1988, in Provo, Utah, to Jeffrey Russell Gates and Leslie Jean Wilson.
Our beloved Jennifer finished her mortal journey as valiantly as she began. Born with a rare heart defect, she endured multiple life-saving surgeries as a child, and adapted to her physical limitations with grace and resilience. She experienced many miracles of healing and strength, and was herself a kind of miracle. She grew up loving to sing songs from the Primary Children’s Songbook and from Disney movies (particularly The Little Mermaid). Later she enjoyed listening to contemporary artists including her personal friend Paul Cardall, and uplifting music on Christian radio. Jenny was a member of the Oquirrh Mountain Single Adults Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she actively served in several callings, most recently on the Emergency Preparedness Committee. She graduated from West Jordan High School in 2007, and attended Salt Lake Community College earning an Associate Degree in General Studies, followed by an Associate of American Sign Language.
Jennifer’s hobbies included watching movies, grazing on edibles in the family garden, researching health topics and current events, playing computer games, and reading Regency Era “proper romance” novels (Sarah Eden was a favorite author). She fondly remembered living in Eugene, Oregon, where the trees and plants grew green and lush year round. She loved all the colors in Nature. Jenny made friends easily, and her contagious cheerful and friendly attitude brightened the lives of everyone around her.
Jenny’s health began a noticeable decline that began last summer after several bouts of cellulitis and trips to the hospital. A lifelong lover of lemons, she managed to “squeeze” every last bit of mileage from her body as multiple systems began failing together. We have been moved by the generous outpouring of love from her singles ward friends, and neighbors who gave so selflessly of themselves, taking time to visit with her and cheer her during this final chapter of her life.
Her family is deeply grateful to all of the doctors, nurses, surgeons, and other professionals, and for the hospitals and clinics all throughout her life, for their wonderful and compassionate care. Her final two weeks at the University of Utah Hospital were no exception.
She was lovingly surrounded by her immediate family as she valiantly took her last breath, and her spirit passed through the veil into everlasting peace. Her family looks forward to the day we are together again.
Survived by: parents Jeff & Leslie; brothers James (Marissa), and Tyler; grandparents Guelda Gates, Robert & Jean Wilson; nieces Aris, Kimber, Daisy, and Scarlett, and nephew Asher; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Preceded in death by: grandfather Joseph L. Gates; beloved family pets J.J. (cockatiel), Cookie (calico cat).
Services information:
All services (viewings and funeral) will be held at the LDS Chapel located at 7336 South 3200 West, West Jordan, UT 84084
Viewings:
Friday, March 21, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 PM
Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 10:00-10:45 AM
Family prayer:
Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 10:45-11:00 AM
Funeral Service:
Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 11:00-12:30 PM
Guestbook/Condolences
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Jennifer was a bright spot in the neighborhood. She always had a smile for us and was such an example of strength and faith.
Knowing Jenny from her entrance into this mortal life until she passed through the veil into eternity has been an example of faith. Her personality was addictive. Her smile brightened everything around her. She cheered up the sad and made everyone feel glad they were in her midst. My heart is saddened, but I rejoice in the knowledge she's been welcomed back into the arms of her beloved Savior, restored into a perfect body, willing to keep serving. My thoughts and prayers are with the family forever.
There are no words to express the heartfelt loss of a loved one. Jennifer chose life and she was loved by all who walked that journey with her. My sincere condolences to you Jeff, Leslie, James, Tyler and Jenny's grandparents. I will miss but not forget her sparkling dark eyes, hearty laugh and big bright smile at future family gatherings. My prayers for comfort and peace are with you. Aunt Ina
Oh, sweet Jenny, It is with a heart full of love and sadness combined that I say farewell for a short time
until I am called to heaven myself. You have been such a precious miracle all of your remarkable life. My love can't be put into words , because not only are you my first granddaughter, but you were born with a heart needing medical help. You fought through all odds and lived. You made the best of everything you have accomplished and made us proud. Always looking for interesting things to do and see. Many eyes have been on you as you continued to be happy, build your firm testimony, and to let your light shine brightly for others to see and be inspired by. I know our Heavenly Father loves you, His precious daughter. My love is deep and hard to put into words.
I remember the last few times I saw Jenny at various family gatherings she was so smiley and full of light. I didn't know her very well, but I can picture her smile even though she is no longer with us. She was there with us for the death of my grandfather and of my Uncle Devin and she lit up every room. Fly high Jenny, God be with you til we meet again.
Jenny and I first became friends when we were kids back in Oregon, and we became fast friends. We both had a love of music and whimsy, and I remember playing dolls and making our own musicals. When I heard the news about Jenny's passing, I immediately wanted to rekindle that spark of joy that we shared together and played dolls with my daughter, making sure to involve a bit of music as well. Jenny was such a sweet person and will be greatly missed by so many, and her memory will live on.
I met her at the Taylorsville institute in 2011 or 12. She was excited to see me when I went back to the institute after my tonsillectomy in 2012 . I danced with her one time at the Jordan institute before 2020. We had good conversations texting each other . over the past few years. She will be greatly missed . I’m sorry for your loss .
My deepest condolences as we will miss seeing Jenny in this life. I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with Leslie and Jenny this past Christmas. Thank you so much for that opportunity. I will miss Jenny and her beautiful smile and attitude toward life.