On Monday, October 28, 2024, Gloria Jean Hartvigsen Jensen, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, after a sudden and brief battle with cancer. Her strong spirit and humor stayed with her until the very end, and we’re sure she left this world wearing her signature lipstick.

Gloria was born on July 14, 1946, in Payson, Utah, to Arthur and Norma Hartvigsen. She spent her early childhood in Santaquin and then moved to Spanish Fork, where she quickly learned the value of hard work on the family’s dairy farm. After graduating from Spanish Fork High School in 1964, where she was a proud cheerleader and member of the pep team, Gloria continued her education at Snow College, carrying her school spirit as a college cheerleader.

On April 14 1966, Gloria married Darrall Jensen in the Manti Temple, and they built a home in Salem where they raised five children. Though they later divorced, Gloria remained in Salem, anchoring her family with unwavering love and grit. As a single mother, she juggled two or three jobs to support her children, working for 14 years at Nu Skin and later as the Office Manager at Agel, where her coworkers became lifelong friends and partners in laughter.

Gloria was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as a stake librarian for over 20 years. She also found great joy as a leader for the Utah Valley Single Adults, where she made countless friends and helped others find belonging and laughter. Music was another of her gifts—despite not reading music, she taught herself to play the banjo, guitar, piano, and organ by ear. Her country music band, where she sang backup and played banjo, entertained crowds across Utah, from fairs to small town celebrations.

Her talents didn’t stop at music. Gloria’s kitchen was a haven for anyone needing a meal or a bit of comfort. Known for her homemade bread, roasts, scones, and legendary English toffee, she fed both body and soul. Her love for her family and friends extended to her ever-prepared “Mary Poppins” bag, filled with anything anyone could need—“just in case.”

Gloria loved Diet Coke, a spotless house, a good pair of high heels, a family gathering or quick trip to Wendover. Her travels took her around the world, but she was happiest with her family around her, sharing a laugh and a meal. Her unwavering love, sharp wit, and delightful sense of humor will live on in our hearts.

She is survived by her five children: Glen (Kathy) Jensen, Darren (Carolee) Jensen, Brent (Suzette) Jensen, Brian (Diana) Jensen, and Abbie (Jeff) Higginson; her 24 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her three brothers: Richard, Phillip, and Michael Hartvigsen.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, November 5th from 6:00-8:00 PM at Walker Mortuary in Spanish Fork. A celebration of Gloria’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 6th at 11:00 AM at the LDS Stake Center at 695 S. 300 W., Salem, with a viewing prior from 9:30-10:45 AM. Interment will be at the Salem City Cemetery.

In her memory, let’s all be a little kinder, keep a spare lipstick handy, and always, always be prepared with a laugh.

The funeral services for Gloria Jensen will be streamed live.
Please return to her memorial page shortly before 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 and click on the link below.

Livestream Link