Mary Louise Jenkins

Mary Louise Jenkins, age 85, passed away peacefully at her home on November 1, 2026, of natural causes. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose life was filled with love, kindness, and devotion to her family. 

Mary Louise was born on June 9, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Adra K. Nelson and John Joseph Brennan. She grew up in Salt Lake City alongside her four brothers and one sister. During her high school years, she worked in a dress shop and helped care for her younger brothers, demonstrating the caring and nurturing spirit that would remain with her throughout her life. 

During the summers, Mary Louise spent several weeks visiting her beloved grandparents, Grandma Lily and Grandpa Bill, in Hamilton. It was during one of these visits that she met the love of her life, James Jenkins. 

Mary Louise and James were married on July 18, 1959, in Hamilton, Montana. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to love and commitment, lasting 61 years until James’s passing. Together, they built a home in Darby and raised seven children, creating a family filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. 

Mary Louise devoted her life to caring for her family. After raising her children, she worked as a cook at Darby Schools, where she found joy in feeding and caring for children once again. Her nurturing heart extended far beyond her own family, and she took great pride in making others feel loved and welcomed. 

She was also known for her remarkable green thumb. Mary Louise maintained a large garden that provided fresh produce for her family, and she generously shared its bounty with anyone who needed or wanted it. She spent countless hours canning vegetables and fruits for the winter, ensuring her family would always have plenty. She also loved baking and was famous for making the most wonderful pies and cookies. 

Above all, Mary Louise cherished her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy. Mary was blessed to have an extended family in Soda Springs, Idaho. She loved them deeply and never missed an opportunity to tell her friends how proud she was of each and every one of them. To Mary Louise, family meant everything. 

Mary Louise was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James; her daughter, Jill (Ernie); and her grandson, AJ. 

She is survived by her loving children, William (Linda), Daniel (Kim), Shelly (Brian), James K., David (Lisa), and Jack (Heather); 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and her cousins, Mary and Margret, who were like sisters to Mary. All of them will forever carry her love and memory in their hearts. 

Mary Louise will be remembered for her generous spirit, her loving heart, her wonderful cooking and baking, and the countless ways she made life better for those around her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and family devotion will continue through the generations she leaves behind. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 5th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Darby. She willl be laid to rest at Corvallis Cemetery, where she will be reunited with her beloved husband, James. 

In Lieu of Flowers Please consider donating to the Jill Jenkins Memorial Scholarship fund and or Shodair Children’s Hospital