JoLynne Van Valkenburg

JoLynne Van Valkenburg

JoLynne Van Valkenburg Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Feb. 7 to Feb. 8, 2008.
JoLynne Van Valkenburg 1947 ~ 2008 JoLynne Van Valkenburg, daughter of Mac Elwyn and Evelyn Pate Van Valkenburg, died February 2 in Murray, after surgery.Jo was born Feb. 21, 1947, in Salt Lake City. She grew up in Urbana, Illinois and graduated from Utah State University. She worked at the Salt Lake Tribune, taught journalism at BYU, and retired as State Editor and Assistant City Editor at the Deseret News. She loved baking, words, camping, lunch with friends, travel with sisters, cookies with walnuts and the adoration of her dogs, Walter, Patrick and Jeffurry. Jo's survivors include sisters, Kaye (Dave Maier), Portland, Ore; Nancy (Brice Wallace), Roy, Utah; and Susan (Dave Hough), Cambridge, England; two brothers, Charles and David (Chin Yao Kuan); 12 nieces and nephews; many beloved friends; and Jeffurry. Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S. State Street, where friends may call 6 to 8 the previous night or an hour before the service. Burial will be in Murray City Cemetery. Remembrances to Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, UT 84741 or www.bestfriends.org

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February 12, 2008

Tabbie Napier posted to the memorial.

February 10, 2008

Gail Griffin posted to the memorial.

February 9, 2008

Elizabeth Williams posted to the memorial.

Tabbie Napier

February 12, 2008

I only had the honor of meeting JoLynne once, when her sister Nancy married my brother. But I did get a few opportunities to talk with her on the phone and I will truly miss those phone calls. The Wallace family extends our deepest sympathy to Nancy and her family. We are very sorry for the loss of someone you loved so much. We love you.

Gail Griffin

February 10, 2008

Jolynne loved oatmeal and often wondered how delicious it would be to bathe in. After that, she began signing her emails to me as "Jo Oats". I loved and respected this great woman who added so much to my life.

Elizabeth Williams

February 9, 2008

I knew Jo through a Reiki class she took from me. She was a delightful and warm woman. Her sweetness was always present, even when things were hard. I remember sitting in her kitchen talking and laughing. I will miss her. Gentle thoughts to her family and close friends.

ron cook

February 9, 2008

JoLynne, I'm sorry that you passed on so young. I won't forget the laughs and anguish we shared at the News

LeMar Longhurst

February 8, 2008

JoLynn it has been some years I will allways have fond memories of your visits to our home amoung the many cousins from that part of the family tree you were one that I could relate too.

Margaret Nell

February 8, 2008

JoLynne taught me journalism at BYU. I have thought about her frequently since I left school. I am glad I knew her, and I am greatful for the things I learned from her. They have served me well. I am better because I knew JoLynne.

Lisa Passey Boynton

February 8, 2008

Dear Family,
On behalf of the Roy & Lois Passey family, we want to send you our love and condolences. We will always cherish the memories we have of JoLynne. As one of JoLynne's "sisterns", Lois would read her hilarious emails and pass them along to us for a good giggle. I personally loved to be in JoLynne's presence. She had an eager enthusiasm for life, in spite of her health limitations, and she was a master of witty humor, gentle persuasion, and positive encouragement. Her love for people included her four-legged companions, who were truly her "babies". We loved her and we will miss her. We pray for comfort and peace at this sad time.

Claudia Witt

February 8, 2008

My sincerest condolences to the family.

I was fortunate to have JoLynne as a friend the past two years. The first time we met we laughed and cried together as we shared our lives and got to know each other. What a wonderful sense of humor she had! I count her as a dear friend and I, with many others, will miss her!

Laura

February 8, 2008

She made a difference in my life. I am fortunate to have had such a dear (and delicious) friend.

Susan Whitney

February 8, 2008

Jo was my boss for a time on the Religion team at the Deseret News. She always brought treats to the meetings. And boy did we laugh. Those of you who are related to her know how wry she could be. She was also smart and kind. Please know how sorry I am for your loss.

John Gholdston

February 7, 2008

The world is a little darker with the loss of this great woman. Not only was she the best copy editor I ever encountered in my 40 years in the business, the was the best teacher of her craft. She had positive influence on many, many students, creating a desire in them to do what few new journalists want to. She was a powerhouse.

Reed Longhurst

February 7, 2008

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of a dear cousin. We have enjoyed our encounters over the years and hope the family will be comforted at this time of loss.

Viki Goaslind Anderson

February 7, 2008

I will miss my cousin, JoLynne. Even though 7 years older than me, she made me feel special and treated me as an equal. I have fond memories of those weekends we spent sleeping at Grandma Van's and making chocolate chip cookies(with walnuts) in her roaster oven.

Rodger L. Hardy

February 7, 2008

Thanks, JoLynne for being my editor. You were fair, honest and straightforward.

Laura Hancock

February 7, 2008

JoLynne was a fun editor to work for. She was a good person. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Lois Kyle

February 7, 2008

To JoLynne's family: I loved her a lot and, sadly and to my shame, didn't keep in close touch recently. She was a gentle, loving soul and the world is poorer today.

Jeff Haney

February 7, 2008

Jo Lynne was an amazing person. I am a better person for having known her.

Martha Sorensen

February 7, 2008

Although I did not know JoLynn well, the few times that I did get to visit with her were a delight. She was an amazing woman! I know that Jeffery will miss her greatly.

Geoffrey Fattah

February 7, 2008

JoLynne was a caring journalist and a wonderful friend. She made a positive difference in my life. I will miss her.

Suzanne Frustaci

February 7, 2008

JoLynne was a great woman. I will miss her friendship, great wit and sense of humor. She was kind to everyone. I give my condolences to her family.

South East Pot Luck

February 7, 2008

JoLynne was a member of the South East Pot Luck Club, she was a wonderful host and a dear friend. She will be greatly missed by all.

Holly Mullen

February 7, 2008

To JoLynne's family:

I'm very sorry to read of JoLynne's passing. I had the great fortune of working with her for a few years on the Deseret News copy desk back in the early '80s. It was such great fun, due in no small part to JoLynne's wit, intelligence and respect for the language. I truly enjoyed her wit and wisdom. She was a teacher and a friend. I'll miss her! I am sorry for your loss and wish you comfort.

Mimi Stewart

February 7, 2008

I haven't seen or visited with JoLynne since the early 80's when she left SLC to work at BYU, but I have fun and wonderful memories of being with her during the 70's when we were in the same ward located on the Avenues in Salt Lake.
At times somewhat quiet, her sense of humor was always hilarious and we could count on JoLynne to be funny and fun to be around. I am saddened knowing she has passed away, but deeply grateful for the opportunity of having her in my life for a short season.

I join with many in sending most sincere sympathy to her family and associates.

Tom Norman

February 7, 2008

JoLynne taught me journalism at BYU. I'll miss her.

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Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Chapel & Cremation Center - Murray

4760 South State St., Murray, UT 84107

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Sign JoLynne Van Valkenburg's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 12, 2008

Tabbie Napier posted to the memorial.

February 10, 2008

Gail Griffin posted to the memorial.

February 9, 2008

Elizabeth Williams posted to the memorial.