Jennielee Richardson Hooker Fox passed away peacefully on July 20, 2023, in Spanish Fork, Utah, after recently celebrating her 87th Birthday. She was born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, on June 29,1936 to Jennie Yohe and Lee Richardson. She was named after both of her parents and was the only girl in her family. She was preceded in death by her five beloved brothers, Robert “Bob” (Norma), Marvin (Mary), Charles “Chuck” (Florence), Darol and Roger (Ethel). She mourned their loss deeply and often reminisced about their childhood. A favorite story of the grandchildren included hunting skunks and being forced to carry the bait if she wanted to come along. Despite this, she loved to be with them and didn’t complain. Jennielee’s brothers also taught her how to swim in the family pond by pushing her off the dock to sink or swim. Fortunately, she quickly took to the water and loved swimming regularly throughout her life.
Jennielee graduated from Marion Center High School in 1953 and went on to marry Thomas Arthur Hooker on October 14th, 1955. She was blessed with four children that she loved dearly. They lived in Wyoming NY, Getzville NY, Lockport NY, and New Port Richey FL. While living in New York they learned about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints through her oldest brother, Bob. After listening to the missionaries, they had a powerful experience that led to their baptism in Palmyra, New York, in 1962. Service within the church quickly became a large part of her life. She loved attending the Temple and spent many hours doing family history research. She enjoyed serving as a dedicated early morning seminary teacher for twenty-two years. In addition, Jennielee learned how to make chocolates to assist in fundraising for the church. Her chocolates were so successful that she was able to raise enough money to build two chapels.
Jennielee divorced Thomas Hooker in 1977 and later married Gary Fox on 23 June 1979 in Pasco Florida. They divorced on 16 June 1987, 8 years later. She then moved to Port Richey, Florida, where she resided in a wonderful retirement community until December 2019. Jennielee moved to Spanish Fork, Utah, for the last 3 ½ years of her life. We were blessed to know that her final days were soon, and she was visited by family during her last week. Miraculously, she was able to express her love for her family and say goodbye. Jennielee is survived by her children, Thomas Arthur Jr (Linda Farnsworth), Jeffrey Lee (Teresa McKee), Christine Rena (Kirt Remund), and Julie Beth (Brian Sand). In addition, Jennielee was the proud grandmother and great-grandmother to 19 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.
Jennielee’s family was most important to her. Words cannot express how lucky and privileged we all are to have called her our mom and grandma. She was a truly selfless person and she loved everyone unconditionally. We always knew we could be ourselves and she would love us no matter what. Jennielee was happiest when she was with her family sharing her hobbies. These included scrapbooking, reading, watching movies, playing uno, water fights, fruit picking and cooking. Her spaghetti and meatballs and hot fudge sauce were famous with her grandchildren. She spent many hours teaching them how to make delicious chocolates and sugar cookies at Christmas time which often resulted in food-fights. Her grandchildren loved to prank their grandma and she was a willing participant. She loved, lived and laughed. Jennielee had a love of taking pictures and she spent many hours compiling countless scrapbooks so that we could reminisce together about our happy, fun-filled time with her. We will forever be grateful for the love and time she put into creating these books. Jennielee made everyone around her feel at home and loved. We all have special memories and were greatly impacted by knowing and loving her. We are grateful for every hour we were able to spend with her. We know that she will be waiting for us all with open arms and a kiss on the cheek.
Family and friends are invited to services to be held on Friday, July 28th, 2023. Viewing from 9am- 10am at Spring Creek Mortuary, 737 N Main St, Springville, UT. At 10:30am we will hold a graveside service at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery located at 420 S 400 E, Spanish Fork, UT. You may also view this service online with a link provided by Spring Creek Mortuary.
Condolences can be offered at www.springcreekmortuary.com.
