Jean Denise Nelligan

Jean Denise (Ostler) Nelligan of West Valley City, UT, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on October 14, 2026. Denise was a woman of deep faith and love of family. She was born on February 15, 1952 to Orvill and Shirley Ostler. She was the second child and oldest daughter of eight children. Denise grew up in Salt Lake City until she was eight years old when the family moved to Midvale, UT. Growing up in a large family helped shape the person she became, teaching her the importance of love, connection and togetherness. She shared close, special bonds with her grandparents, parents and siblings. Relationships that held a treasured place in her heart throughout her life. The love she experienced growing up became a part of the love and devotion she later gave to her own children and grandchildren.

Denise’s childhood was magical and she loved to tell stories of her growing up years. She especially cherished spending time at her grandparent’s home farm and orchard in Bluffdale, UT. There she spent her days riding horses and helping do chores. Being the oldest daughter, she was a great help and support to her mother. From a very young age she learned how to clean, cook and care for her younger siblings. She was a very hard worker and contributed to the home, gaining skills she used to teach her own children as she raised them. Denise graduated from Jordan High School and was a proud Beetdigger! She was very beautiful and always had many boys who sought her out for school dances. Denise’s work ethic continued as she worked many jobs throughout her life, from retail stores to the Church Office Building and OC Tanner.

Denise married Patrick Nelligan in the Salt Lake City Temple in October 1975. Together they had three children, Jason, Krystal and Courtney. Becoming a mother was her greatest blessing and she always said her children were a piece of heaven on earth for her. Even though her marriage ended in divorce, she still felt grateful for the covenants she made and family she created. She lead by example and persevered through times of trial and hardship with her immense faith and love of the gospel. Denise was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Her beliefs shaped the way she lived and her faith was an essential part of her identity. The Savior was a source of comfort, strength and hope and she loved to serve, especially in the temple. Denise had a strong testimony of temple work, which she instilled in her children. She had many meaningful experiences doing work for her ancestors, and we are certain the unbreakable connections she formed caused for a joyous reunion.

Denise was a woman of many talents. She had a beautiful singing voice and had a genuine affection for music. Denise would sing whenever she could. As a little girl she would even climb into the trees in her yard and sing with all her heart. She always made chores fun by turning up the music and singing and dancing while she worked. She had a way of making a mundane task a pure joy. Denise was also a gifted seamstress, crocheter and artist. She had a creative spirit that allowed her to bring beauty into the world through her hands and her imagination. Whether she was singing a favorite song, sewing something special for someone she loved, or creating a piece of art, she shared a little bit of herself in everything she did.

Denise had a love of the outdoors and nature that brought her a sense of peace and happiness. Camping with her family was a favorite past time and the mountains always felt like home. She had an adventurous spirit and was happiest when riding on a four wheeler or admiring a trail. One of her special joys was tending to her flower and vegetable gardens and making her yard a place filled with color and life. Nurturing was an important part of who she was.

She loved vacations with her family, and her favorite place to make memories was Disneyland. The magic, wonder and happiness created many cherished moments. She could be a kid again, right along with her own children. Denise was also a thrill seeker and loved every ride, big or small, fast or slow. But especially big and fast!

Denise loved motherhood so much, but discovering the unconditional love of being a grandma was even better. Denise’s devotion to her grandchildren was deep and she supported them in any way she could. It was one of her greatest sadness’s when her health declined and she had trouble attending events in person. She treasured time spent together and family was always her greatest blessing. Her love for her children and grandchildren will be a legacy that lives on. Although the ache we feel at her loss, we take comfort in the promise of eternal families and a time to see each other again.

Denise was preceded in death by her father Orvill, mother Shirley, sister Debbie, brother David, grandson Finn, sister-in-law Clare and nephew Paul. She is survived by her children Jason (Erin), Krystal and Courtney (Darin). Grandchildren Ashlynn, Liam, Connor, Gavin, Maren, Larkin, Gideon, Oakley and Hattie. Along with siblings Lynn (Clare), Brent (Teresa), Robert, Kevin (Linda) and Lori (Gary). All of whom will miss her deeply and remember her lovingly.

We will celebrate Denise’s life on Thursday, October 22nd at the LDS Stake Center located at 3930 S 6000 W, West Valley City, UT 84128. Viewing for family and friends at 9:30-10:45 AM, funeral at 11:00 AM. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens.