Anita Jensen Charles, 71, of Salem, Utah, passed away October 6, 2024.

Anita was born March 9, 1953, the daughter of Grant and Edna Jensen.  She was born in Fort Collins, CO and grew up in Spanish Fork, UT where she attended and graduated from Spanish Fork High School.  She loved to tell the story of a series of small miracles that put both her and a certain young man, David Charles, in Provo, UT for a brief moment; long enough for them both to know they wanted to know each other better.

Despite living on opposite sides of the country, Anita and David stayed in touch and were married a short time later on May 11, 1973.  They lived in Washington, DC while David served in the Navy and was stationed aboard the Presidential Yacht, Sequoia.  On January 23, 1975, they were sealed in the Washington DC Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  In 1976 David and Anita moved to Utah where they would live and raise their family.

Growing up, Anita wanted to be a mom more than anything else in the world.  She was blessed with six children and loved being a mom.  She devoted her life to her family and only wished that her time as a mom with children at home could have passed slower and lasted so much longer.  Her children and grandchildren knew that she loved them more than anything else in the world.

Anita loved beautiful words and filled her heart and mind with uplifting words.  She found immense comfort in the words found in favorite books, Shakespeare, hymns, poetry, fairy tales and folk tales from around the world.  The words she loved and studied most were the words of the scriptures and living prophets.  Throughout her life she turned to the words of the Savior and prayer for comfort and strength.

Anita loved sharing books with children and spent countless hours sharing stories in schools, as a librarian and story lady, and at BYU bookstore.  She believed strongly that if a child didn’t love reading, they just needed a little help finding the right book.  She was an amazing resource when looking for a book for yourself or someone you love.  She shared her love through thoughtful and individualized book recommendations.

Anita loved the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and followed the Savior’s words, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”  She loved the Savior and devoted her life to serving Him and trying each day to become more like Him.  As the last few years of life became more and more challenging, Anita more fervently turned her heart to the Savior.  She took every opportunity to bear witness of the Savior and to recognize the blessings He so abundantly blessed her with.

Anita is survived by her children David (Michelle) Charles of Spring Lake, UT, Grant (Kacie) Charles of Mountain Home, UT, Delight (Brian) Payne of Albuquerque, NM, Eve (Darrin) Bolhuis of Soap Lake, WA, Rachel (Matt) Swenson of Spanish Fork, UT, and Ammon (Cammie) Charles of La Pine, OR; twenty-nine grandchildren; and her siblings Judith (Stephen) Jackson of Provo, UT, Gini (Keith) Lovell of Mesa, AZ, Ron (Sheri) Jensen of Salem, UT and Kim Allred of Heber, UT.

Anita is preceded in death by her husband David Stuart Charles, Sr., her parents Grant and Edna Jensen, and her great-grandson Bryce Ewell.  Funeral services will be held Friday, October 11, 2024 at 11:00am.  A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:30-10:45 am.  Both the funeral and viewing will be held at the LDS church located at 1138 E 100 S, Payson, UT.

The funeral service for Anita Charles will be streamed live. Please return to her memorial page shortly before 11:00 am on Friday, October 11, 2024 and click on the link below.

Anita Charles Livestream Broadcast