Virginia Louise Pedersen

Virginia Louise “Jenny” Pedersen passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in the home of her daughter Karen Geertsen. She was 83 years old.

Jenny was born January 15, 1943, in Neeses South Carolina to Phillip Elijah Martin and Geraldine Chavis. Born into difficult circumstances, she spent much of her childhood in the South Carolina foster system. Though life gave her very little stability in her early years, she found love and belonging through Julian and Louise McKnight, who became her family in every way that mattered. She deeply loved them and considered them her parents throughout her life. Their daughter Helen Cashon became a sister to her, and the two shared a lifelong bond, along with Helen’s husband Earl, of Statesboro, Georgia.

As a young woman, she chose to change her name from Jenny Lou Martin to Virginia Louise Martin, though to those who loved her most, she would always simply be “Jenny.”

Jenny’s life was marked by determination, resilience, and an enduring desire to build something better for her family than the life she had been born into. Though she did not graduate from high school, she later earned her GED and went on to become a Vice President at the National Bank of Washington, an accomplishment that reflected both her intelligence and determination. She was a lifelong learner, an avid reader, and someone who delighted in language and vocabulary. Family members often smiled as she worked newly discovered “big words” into everyday conversations.

Jenny lived in many places throughout her life. She spent part of her childhood in Orangeburg, South Carolina, later moving to Los Angeles with her first husband, Warner Cowell Staib, where their oldest son Chuck was born. From there the family lived in Savannah, where their son Greg was born, before returning to South Carolina, where their daughter Karen was born. Eventually the family settled in Alexandria, where their youngest son Chris was born. Jenny loved Virginia deeply and always considered it her true home.

Later in life, Jenny moved to Utah, where she met Lyman “Pete” Pedersen, the great love of her life. Together they built a life centered on love, companionship, faith, family, and simple joys. They spent 31 years together in West Jordan. Whether working side by side in the yard, spending afternoons searching for treasures at Deseret Industries, or simply enjoying one another’s company, they genuinely loved being together. Jenny often jokingly referred to their outings as “shopping therapy.” Those who knew them could see the deep affection and partnership they shared.

Pete’s passing in 2025 was one of the great sorrows of Jenny’s life. During her final days, she spoke of him often and called for him repeatedly. The loss was made even heavier by the passing of her son Greg during that same difficult week, a season of grief that weighed deeply on her and on the entire family she loved so fiercely.

Jenny was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She joined the Church in 1968, and the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ became a defining influence in the remainder of her life. Her faith gave her hope, purpose, direction, and belonging. More than anything else, it changed the trajectory of her life and the lives of her children. Jenny believed deeply in Jesus Christ and in the possibility of becoming more through His grace. Though life remained difficult in many ways, she continued trying, continued believing, and continued moving forward. Her children and grandchildren are part of the legacy of that faith and determination.

She served faithfully in the Church throughout her life, including as a Relief Society President in a branch serving residents of a local retirement center. She loved the people she served and found joy and meaning in ministering to others.

Jenny loved beauty. She especially loved flowers, plants, and yard work. For many years, her yard in West Jordan became known throughout the neighborhood for its beauty. Neighbors often commented that it looked like something out of a gardening magazine. She took great pride in creating places that felt warm, alive, and welcoming.

But above all else, Jenny loved her family.

Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were the center of her world. She loved spending time with them, taking them on little “adventures,” laughing with them, spoiling them, and making them feel loved. Her grandchildren knew her as someone full of affection, warmth, humor, and energy. One of her favorite expressions was, “Give me some sugar,” her cheerful invitation for a hug and affection. She always seemed to have more “sugar” to give.

Jenny had a strong presence and filled a room when she entered it. She laughed easily, loved deeply, and gave generously of herself. She sacrificed time, energy, and resources for the people she loved throughout her life. Though she came from humble and painful beginnings, she refused to allow those beginnings to define the final shape of her life. Through determination, faith, and love, she built a family centered on resilience, belonging, and hope.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Pete Pedersen and her son Greg Staib.

She is survived by her children, Chuck Staib (Maggie) of St. George, UT, Karen Geertsen of Herriman, UT, Chris Staib (Mindy) of South Jordan, UT, and daughter in law Katie Staib, wife of Greg, of Neeses, SC. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and many beloved extended family members through the Pedersen family whom she cherished deeply.

Jenny’s life stands as a quiet testimony that beginnings do not determine endings. Through faith, perseverance, sacrifice, and the grace of Jesus Christ, she transformed hardship into love, instability into family, and loneliness into belonging. Her greatest legacy is the faith, strength, and love she leaves behind in the generations that follow her.

Those who wish to view the service via Zoom can click "Watch Services" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88402091916