JJ & Elma's posterity at the cemetery

On Thursday, June 17, Jordan and Elma's family began meeting at their final resting place, Larkin Cemetery in Sandy, Utah. They came from coast to coast and from north to south to honor JJ & Elma and their son, Grant Ray Jensen.

Grant's children honored the wishes of their father to be cremated. It was decided that part of his ashes be placed on the grave site of his parents. The family gathered to participate and remember all three on a beautiful summer day in the shadows of the Wasatch Mountains.

Wylene and Glen

Glen and Peggy

Grandma Joyce and Joshua

Amy and Lisa

Randy and son

Mark and Christina

Joe

John and Miriam

Grant's best friend, Howard and Wylene

The twins, Kevin Shirts and Ryan Jensen

We gathered round as Richard shared some feelings about his dad and ashes were spread . . .


and remembrances shared.

Since there were more of Jordan and Elma's family all in one place than there had been in years, group shots were taken before meeting at Aaron's home in Herriman for lunch.

Howard with Grant Ray's family
Michelle, Jadyn, Richard, and Alex
(Michelle's husband and son Gabe are missing)

JJ & Elma's great grandchildren

JJ & Elma's grandchildren
Several of this group had Grant as their 6th grade teacher.

Wylene and Leioni's family
(without Elder Jordan Ika)

Peggy and Joe's family
(Shawn is missing)

Glen and Laurel's family
(only Ryan and Emilia were able to come)

Joyce and George's family
(all of their children were there,
some spouses and grandchildren missing)

Joyce and George's children, all eight for the first time in years!

Amy's still rocking the house!
She also came the farthest, Rhode Island, but since she flew, Randy gets the prize. He drove from Alabama!

Joyce and George's grandchildren

If you would like to read Grant's obituary go here.

Memories and Father's Day

Eric at 6 weeks smiling at Glen

On this Father's Day, Glen and I have just returned from Utah where we said a formal goodbye to Glen's brother Grant Ray Jensen. It's difficult to believe that he is actually gone from this life. As we drove to and from Utah, we had time to reflect on family and memories. Glen's father always said that it was important to "make a memory." This last week we made more memories. I'll share a few in a later post.

While gone, our oldest son became one year older. I love the above picture of him giving his father a great big smile. On this day, I wish Glen a wonderful Father's Day and Eric a belated happy birthday.

To the sons and son-in-law of my beautiful grandchildren, Happy Father's Day! As I watch each of you parent, I am so impressed with your gentleness and fine example. I also love watching you create memories for your little ones. Thank you!

On Thursday evening, the Draper Historic Theatre community met together to reminisce about one of their own. They let Grant's (Ray's) family join with them in a wonderful evening of memories and love.

Grant at Moon Lake with Richard and Michelle, Summer 1979
(Eric and Ryan are in the background)

One of the memories I shared was of Grant as a young, single father who gave his children so much love and care. His children were so important to him, that he became their primary caregiver. I will always remember his dedication as a young father to his children.

Missing the one in the middle

Tonight the one in the middle is no longer with us. Those left behind are feeling pretty sad. This picture was taken almost a year ago. The one in the middle would think it is funny that all his siblings are making sad faces.

Grant Ray Jensen (mostly known as Ray) had a knack for making you laugh and was the master of sarcasm. His performances at the Draper Historic Theatre were not to be missed. He had great acting skills and comedic timing. His last role was as the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz. Glen and I attended with a group of family members and it was a wonderfully good time!

"Put 'em up! Put 'em up!"

It is so hard to believe that he could be gone so suddenly and at such a young age. My heart goes out to his siblings; Peggy, Joyce, Wylene, and my husband Glen. I especially grieve for his children, Richard and Michelle, as well as his grandchildren.

Vaya con Dios Grant!