Jenny Gunnell

Our beautiful, strong, and valiant Jennifer Susan Thorne Gunnell passed peacefully through the veil on Monday June 2nd at home with family and friends. She battled for more than two years with an aggressive and merciless cancer exhibiting remarkable courage and grace. She was a true fighter—resilient, faithful, and full of light. Her impact on the lives around her is impossible to measure. She was a friend to all, a powerful force for good, and a true disciple of Christ. She will be deeply and dearly missed.

Jenny was born into a loving family on June 21, 1975, the only daughter of Ron and Susan Thorne. She loved dearly her four brothers and enjoyed spending time with them and their families. Jenny shared a special bond with her mom, and we expect they had a tear filled, joyful meeting as she entered the spirit world. Jenny lived life fully and with joy, forming lasting friendships through every chapter. These friendships have remained strong and have provided immense support through her illness. Jenny had a deep love for people, and they were naturally drawn to her kindness, humility, and open-hearted nature.

At Bingham High School, Jenny stood out as a Minerette, Cheerleader, and Student Body Officer. She was honored with the Pick and Shovel Award her senior year—the school’s highest recognition, a reflection of her leadership, service, and school spirit.

Jenny met Brandon Gunnell the night before classes began at Ricks College; just three months after graduating high school. Although he had vowed he was not going to marry a girl he met at Ricks, after meeting Jenny he couldn’t help himself. They became great friends and then fell in love and were sealed 18 months later in the Logan Temple. He adores her and told Jenny every day for over 30 years that he loved her. Jenny earned her associates degree from Ricks and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Utah State University.

After teaching 3rd and 5th grade at Bluffdale Elementary for two years, Jenny embraced her greatest calling: motherhood. She and Brandon were blessed with four remarkable children—Gracie, Isaac, Gabe, and Ruby—who were the lights of her life. No one could have loved them more. Jenny was a devoted, nurturing mother who read, sang, and laughed with them as she broke out her best dance and cheerleader moves. She loved watching them play sports, dance, and sing. Jenny always sacrificed her time and interests to put the kids first. While she will no longer be with them physically, she will continue to guide them as their angel mother from above.

Jenny brought her whole heart to every aspect of her life. Through personal experience and challenges, she became acquainted with disparate groups of people. She wielded great influence and made fast friends in the adoption, autism, and cancer communities. Her ability to lead and organize, while also uplifting everyone around her made a lasting impression and was a hallmark of her life. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jenny served with devotion to the Savior in many callings and especially cherished her time with the young women of the Church. In every sphere, she brought joy, warmth, and a quiet strength—truly the best of us.

Though it feels far too soon to say goodbye, we find peace in knowing Jenny’s spirit lives on. Her legacy of faith, compassion, humor, and selflessness continues to shine in the lives she touched. We trust in our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness and look forward to the day we’ll be reunited.

We love you, our dear Jenno. God be with you 'til we meet again.

Jenny is survived by her loving husband Brandon and their four cherished children: Gracie, Isaac, Gabe, and Ruby; her father Ron (Linda), and her brothers: Justin (Melissa), Josh (Erika), Jer (Jules), and Jake (Tasia) along with adoring in-laws and her many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Susan.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025 at the Glenmoor Stake Center, 4881 W. Cindy Lane, South Jordan at 11:00am. There will be a viewing on Friday, June 13th from 5:00 to 8:00pm at Jenkin-Soffe Funeral Home located at 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway. A viewing will also take place Saturday from 9:30 to 10:45am prior to services.