Donna Jay

Donna Marie Jay, born July 13, 1947, in Provo, Utah, passed away with her children by her side on September 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and love. The eldest of five children born to Don Murray Dean and Julia Pearl Healey Dean, Donna Marie grew up in a close-knit family with siblings Diana Tankersley, Murray William Dean, Byron Jay Dean, and Barbara Weeden. In 1966, Donna married James Robert Jay, a U.S. Marine from Iowa, though they later divorced in 1980. Donna Marie and "Bob" had two daughters, Teresa

Marie Jay and Julianne Jay. "Bob" passed in April 2020.

A talented musician, Donna Marie sang in her high school choir, played the clarinet in the band, and played the piano and occasionally the organ at church services. Her academic excellence, particularly in history, shone through at Safford High School in Arizona, where she graduated in 1965. Donna Marie was an avid reader of history, fiction and historical biographies.

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Donna Marie's faith in Christ was strengthened through her dedicated service in the Primary, Relief Society, as a Chorister/Choir Director, and as an Emergency Preparedness Specialist.

Donna Marie's strong work ethic was evident from a young age, babysitting her siblings and working as a car-hop at the first A&W at age 14. Her remarkable career spanned nearly 50 years with the U.S. Department of Defense, primarily as a budget analyst for the U.S. Air Force, with brief service alongside the U.S. Marine Corps. Her career took her from California to Port Orchard, WA, Wichita, KS, Anchorage, AK, San Antonio, TX, and back to Los Angeles, CA, where she retired as a government contractor in 2017.

Donna Marie cherished time with her extended family, enjoying camping, cooking, canning, crafting, and lively card games. Her warmth and dedication touched countless lives. She is survived by her daughters; sisters Diana Tankersley and Barbara Weeden; brother Murray William Dean and his wife Wendy; thirteen nieces and nephews; and twenty-five great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Julia Dean, brother Byron Jay Dean, and brothers-in-law Richard Tankersley and John Paul Weeden.

A graveside ceremony will be held at Ben Lomond Cemetery 526 E. 2850 N., North Ogden, Utah, on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers or gift, please consider a donation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints. Till we meet again.