Jolene Estella Hughes Chytraus

Jolene Estella Hughes Chytraus, our dear mother, wife, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 17, surrounded by her loving family after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Jolene was born on October 31, 1945, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to James Clinton Hughes and B. Luzon Holladay Hughes. She attended Garfield Elementary, Clayton Jr. High, and Highland High School, where she was awarded for achieving the fastest shorthand speed. She attended the University of Utah and graduated in Home Economics. Later in life, she returned to school to earn an additional degree in Elementary Education.

Jolene married Clark Chytraus on October 29, 1966; their marriage was later solemnized in the Jordan River Temple. Their 37 years together were filled with love for each other, their children, and grandchildren. Jolene was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings. She especially loved her service as Relief Society President and her 10 years as a temple worker in the Draper Temple.

Over the years, Jolene held a variety of jobs that reflected her many talents. She used her shorthand and typing skills in several secretarial positions and worked as a “runner” at Sears, where she met Clark, who was selling insurance at the time. She later taught middle school home economics and second grade at Altara Elementary. For many years, she also helped manage Clark’s construction business.

We will remember Jolene for her gracious and gentle manner, the poise and wisdom with which she carried herself, and her gift for always knowing just what to say.

She was a true worker bee—always busy serving and creating. Whether she was sewing dresses and dance costumes for her daughters, cross-stitching, tole painting, practicing calligraphy, crafting, quilting, decorating for the holidays, sewing baby blankets, cooking or baking, her hands were always in motion.

She had a deep love for studying the scriptures and often found gospel parallels in the beauty of nature. She admired flowers, quilts, fabrics, animals, and the world around her. She especially loved being part of her Gone To Pieces Quilt Group where she made lifelong friendships along with many beautiful quilts. We will always remember her smile, her laughter, her positive outlook despite life’s trials—and most of all, we will remember her busy hands accomplishing many good works.

Jolene is survived by her daughter Rachael (Brett) Murdoch, her son Bart (Chan) Chytraus; sister Tayna (Rick) Johnson; grandchildren Brittany, Sadie (Keaton) Cenatiempo, Sherstin (Drake) Knowles, Adam, Adeline, Ava, James, Nathan, Hannah, and Luke; and her 6 great-grandchildren. Jolene was preceded in death by her husband Clark, whom she cared for tirelessly during his battle with cancer, her daughters Deborah Hansen and Stephanie Pond, her grandson Jake Hansen, her parents James and Luzon Hughes, and her parents-in-law Ray and Ruth Chytraus.

A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cottonwood Creek Stake Center, 1535 East Creek Road (7995 South), Sandy, Utah. Friends and family may greet the family from 9:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m. prior to the services. Interment at Mt. View Memorial Estates, 3115 East 7800 South in Cottonwood Heights. We wish you peace and happiness. Thank you our dear Mother, Grandmother, & friend. We love you!