Beverley Bertha Killpack Jensen Obituary (1926 - 2010)

Beverley Bertha Killpack Jensen, age 83, passed a wintry Easter morning, April 4, 2010 at home in Murray, Utah due to natural causes. The world was ephemerally a wholesome white; and General Conference reconvened, the consequential discourses laden with solace and eternal expectation. Born the 17th of November, 1926, in Murray, Utah to Dr. McLloyd Killpack DVM and Leah Harmon Killpack, she was the third of four children Barbara Labrum dec’d, (Miles); Marjorie Burgess dec’d, (Reid) and Dr. Robert H. M. Killpack DDS (Dorothy). Beverley married Boyd F. Jensen in the Salt Lake Temple on July 2, 1952 raising 5 children, Boyd F II (Julie), Jonathan K. (Rachel), Jane K. Spence (John), Allyson K. Stenquist (Leland) and McLloyd Killpack (Shannon), including 29 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. “Bev” attended schools in Murray, Utah. From Liberty Elementary she graduated from Murray High School including LDS Seminary (1945); and the University of Utah, majoring in Elementary Education and including LDS Institute (Lamda Delta Sigma) (1949). She taught kindergarten and first grade for 4 years in the Jordan School District. She often expressed her love of teaching developmentally disadvantaged children. Her personal files contained letters, decades later, from grateful parents of disabled students. Education and books were a priority. All her children graduated from college with advanced degrees or professional certifications. She was a loyal Ute, yet gratefully paid tribute to BYU in the form of tuition. She played the piano, organ and violin in groups with her sisters and with friends; and at Murray High and the University of Utah with orchestras. She accompanied thousands at school, church and public recitals. Beverley served in many capacities as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including a Welfare Services Mission, and with Boyd, a local mission in South Salt Lake. She was active in Murray Public Libraries, Murray Symphony Orchestra, Murray Women’s Club, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, Sons of the Utah Pioneers, and the PTA. Her children were not infrequently reminded that three of her direct progenitors numbered among the “first company of pioneers to enter the Salt Lake Valley” while others “served in the Mormon Battalion.” Boyd lauded Beverley “as an extraordinary mother and lifetime companion who accompanied and supported me on assignments to almost every state, and throughout Europe, Asia and the former Soviet Union.” Services will be held Friday, April 9, 2010 at the Hillcrest LDS Ward, 435 East 5600 South at 12 Noon. A viewing will be held Thursday, April 8, 2010 from 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 So. State Street and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment Murray City Cemetery. Boyd and his family wish to thank Sidney Vimahi (CNA caretaker) and Maureen Burbidge RN whose service epitomized professionalism, charity and caring when it was needed most. Donations in lieu of flowers may be provided to the Perpetual Education Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the Red Cross.