Betsy Jenkins

Betsy Ann Brewer Jenkins - beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend - passed away on September 20, 2025, in South Jordan, Utah. She was 84 years old.

Betsy was born March 20, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Melvin Lamar Brewer and Virginia Evelyn Plant Brewer, the first of five children. She spent her early years living on Garden Avenue and attended Woodrow Wilson Elementary. In 1950, the family moved to Highland Drive, where she continued school at Forest Elementary and later graduated from Irving Junior High in 1956. At Highland High School, she was on the honor roll and a member of Highland's very first graduating class in June 1959.

Betsy attended the University of Utah and joined the Alpha Phi Sorority. During her junior year, she earned a scholarship for a program teaching the deaf, spending her senior year as a student teacher at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden. She graduated in June 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and received her certificate to teach the deaf later that year. She taught at the Utah School for the Deaf for three years, where she touched the lives of countless students.

On December 27, 1963, Betsy married her sweetheart, Joseph Jenkins, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they had three children - Julie, Jill, and Matthew. Betsy's life revolved around her family and her role as a dedicated wife and homemaker. She poured her heart into caring for her daughter Jill, who had cerebral palsy, while lovingly raising her other children. Her devotion and grace set a remarkable example of what it means to love unconditionally. Even in the face of tremendous challenges, Betsy's strength never wavered. This was especially evident when she survived a serious brain injury in December 1986 - a moment that highlighted her indomitable spirit and is remembered by her family as nothing short of miraculous.

Betsy was blessed with remarkable creativity and artistic talent. She was an expert at organizing and home decorating, often using family heirlooms, antiques, and collectibles in her decor. She thoroughly enjoyed quilting, gardening, and making dollhouse miniatures. In her early married years, she crafted all the family Christmas ornaments, sewed Halloween costumes, and made clothing for her children and herself. Betsy also had a sweet tooth and was especially fond of dark chocolate, chocolate cake, and hot fudge sundaes.

Her great passion for genealogy and history led her to create over 50 family history books filled with photographs and memories. She joined the Daughters of Utah Pioneers in 1970 and spent decades writing about her ancestors, coming to know and appreciate them as dear friends. She could tell endless stories and fascinating details about her lineage.

Betsy was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings, including ward and stake food storage specialist, family preparedness coordinator, and welfare specialist. As a Sunday School teacher, she took a genuine interest in the lives of many young people and formed lasting friendships with them.

Betsy also loved to travel. Her journeys took her to Canada, England, Scotland, Belgium, Italy, Holland, Mexico, Disneyland, and Hawaii - her favorite destination.

Betsy's philosophy of happiness was simple but powerful: "You have to make it yourself - it doesn't just come to you." She truly lived this philosophy, choosing joy and sharing it with everyone around her.

Betsy is survived by her son Matthew (Angela) Jenkins; grandchildren Isabella, Aidan, and Jackson Jenkins, Jesse Christensen, and Ashley Jenkins; great-grandchildren Paetyn and Maddyx Green, and Ayethian Jennings; brother Mervin (Sandra) Brewer; sister Gladys (Michael) Marietti; and brother-in-law LtCol David W. Szelowski USMC (Ret).

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Jenkins; daughters, Jill Jenkins and Julie Jenkins; parents, Melvin and Virginia Brewer; brother, Marvin Brewer; and sister, Linda Szelowski.

The family would like to thank the residents and staff at Riverway Assisted Living, the staff at Atlas Homecare & Hospice, and the many members of the Glenmoor Ward and Jordan River Branch for their love, care, and friendship.

Services:

All are welcome to attend graveside services on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 12:00 noon in the Salt Lake City Cemetery, entrance located at 200 N. "N" Street. Within the cemetery take Main Street north, stay to the left until you get to 445 North, then go east until the gravesite.

Betsy's life was a testament to faith, courage, creativity, and devotion. She will be remembered for her kindness, her laughter, and her unwavering love for family and friends. She taught us all that happiness is something we create - and her legacy of love will continue to inspire generations to come.