Irene Jones Jenkins

Life Sketch of Irene Louise Jones Jenkins

Irene Louise Jones was born January 1, 1903 at St. John, Idaho to George Wilford Jones and Lillian Parry Jones. She was the oldest of eleven children, and spent her childhood in the Malad Valley.

She married Wallace Lusk Jenkins on November 16, 1921 in Malad, Idaho; this union was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.

The young couple lived in various cities and towns in southeastern Idaho; these changes of residence being necessary for seeking and gaining employment during the difficult depression days of their early marriage.

Irene took an early interest in Primary, Sunday School and Relief Society work, and taught Primary and Sunday School classes to each of the five children born to them. She maintained an active teaching role for over thirty years, holding various offices on both ward and stake levels. She continued in this ward to teach Jr. Sunday School until about the age 63, well beyond the time when most would have felt they had fulfilled their calling.

Irene thoroughly liked and enjoyed people, making friends easily wherever they resided. Several of these associations have developed into lifelong friendships, despite the separation of many miles and time. She had a deep feeling of love for all and enjoyed providing service to others.

No matter where she went, she made friends, whether traveling or at home, she spoke to people, smiled, and attracted people with her sheer personality.

She came from a large family of brothers and sisters, who were taught to share and sacrifice for the overall family harmony. They have all retained a close relationship throughout their adult lives. Each of them always being ready and anxious to assist the others during times of need.

Her five children, Elene, Wallace, Stanley, Eugene, and Karen were always provided with the feeling of close family ties, she was always an example to her children, and seemed to have a sense of intuition. Whenever there were problems, she could sense this, almost before, or at least as soon as her children could, even after they had grown up, married, and moved away. Her great love for her children has kept all of them close together, even though separated by many miles. Her family has been a great source of accomplishment and she indeed fulfilled that great principle of keeping her family close and united. Five children, and thirteen grandchildren survive her.

The earthly marital union of Irene and Wallace Jenkins has withstood the trials and tribulations of over 48 years. This fact alone, is indicative of the love and devotion they both felt for each other.

Along with this love, they had a great respect for one another; assisting each other through personal problems, and also rejoicing together during times of happiness; and if she were able, she’d tell us that the times of happiness occurred more often than the other times.

One of the highlights of her life has been that she was able to live in Salt Lake City, close to the roots of her religion, close to the Temple, where she was able to take her place as a member in all the activities of the ward in which she lived.

Irene has suffered much physical illness throughout her life, but her faith in her religion , and her bravery have made all of those illnesses easier for all of her family to withstand.

Her most recent illness, which has kept her bedridden for quite some time, has been a strain on her husband and members of the family. The constant vigil, that was kept by her husband, her daughters, and other members of the family, again expresses their sincere love and devotion for Irene Jenkins.