JeriAnn Gunnell, age 86, passed away gracefully on October 7, 2024, at Jamestown Assisted Living in Provo, Utah. She was born on November 22, 1937, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the daughter of Willis Clifford and Eulalia Jensen.
She spent her childhood years in Gridley, California basically as an only child with much older sisters. Then while she was attending a class at BYU a handsome young man with a thick head of hair walked into her classroom and took her breath away. On September 7, 1956, JeriAnn was sealed to the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Gunnell, in the Salt Lake Temple. They built a beautiful life together, raising four children and have 15 Grandchildren and 31 Great Grandchildren. She is survived by her 4 children: Jacquelyn (Chris) Feinauer, Bret Gunnell, Karen (Mark) Martinez, and Lisa (Chad) Cowlishaw and her beloved sister, Betty Barrow, who is nearing her 100th birthday.
JeriAnn was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings throughout her life. At the tender age of 12, she began her service journey as a pianist for Junior Sunday School. She especially loved her years of service as a Temple worker and Stake Relief Society President.
Her passions and talents enriched the lives of her family and friends. Mom’s love for sewing was unmatched, always learning new techniques. She was a remarkable hostess, known for throwing the most delightful parties. Her ability to decorate for any occasion made her home and dining tables magazine-worthy. She also made holidays magical for her family, especially Christmas morning. As a mother, dinnertime with everyone around the table and greeting her kids when they came home from school were very important to her. JeriAnn loved being a stay-at-home mom. She never understood what was hard about teenagers–she enjoyed them!
JeriAnn was a true “fashionista.” She had an impeccable sense of fashion and an eye for accessorizing, often turning to Chicos for style. But in her view, a smile was always the best accessory.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Maple Creek Home Health and Hospice and the staff at Jamestown for their compassionate care. Special thanks go to her nurse, Sydnee, and her aides, Sara and Carolina, for their love and dedication. They are truly angels on earth.
Thanks to Mom (and Dad), we had the best childhood, full of cherished memories that we will carry with us forever.
A graveside service will be held on October 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Provo City Cemetery. Following the service, all are invited to join us for a luncheon at the church located at 1498 E 800 S, Provo, Utah. Come celebrate JeriAnn’s life with some of her favorite Joe Vera’s dishes.
Condolences can be offered at www.springcreekmortuary.com.
