Fern Coral Jenkins

Our sweet mother and Nana peacefully passed away early Tuesday morning, June 25, 2013. She will surely be missed by her family and loved ones, but we are so happy imagining her long reunion with her husband Charlie.

Born on October 2, 1923, in Emo, Ontario, to Laverne and Hazel Locking, Fern Coral Locking was the oldest of three siblings. She lived her early years in the logging town of Fort Francis, Ontario. She loved dancing, ice skating, hockey, and jumping barrels with the boys. In her teens she dutifully cared for her ailing mother, running the household and tending to her siblings. She spent the majority of her life in northern Utah, but her roots remained firmly planted in Canadian soil. She made many pilgrimages to her relatives in Canada where she was lovingly referred to as Aunty Fern. She had an inseparable bond with her mother and cherished the time spent laughing and reminiscing with her comical Canadian family.

Only something very special could take her away from her family and home. She, along with her family, was introduced to the LDS faith. She met her future husband Charles Jenkins Jr., an LDS missionary, in 1940 on her doorstep and fainted straight away. The affect didn''t wear off and she agreed to be married by letter 25 months later. Charles brought her to Utah to be sealed in the Logan Temple and she began her life as a wife and mother.

She spent her married life in Logan, Clearfield, and finally Kaysville. Fern was inventively industrious and kept a beautiful home. She served in many callings including Relief Society President, bishop''s wife for 11 years and was a neighborhood advocate for the elderly. She was a fabulous cook and seamstress and was well known for her beautiful knitting. She spent many hours in her greenhouse with her African violets and always smelled of roses. She had an arsenal of home remedies and cherished caring for her loved ones.

She was predeceased by her spouse Charles Jenkins Jr., son Richard Jenkins, sister Colleen Thom, and great-grandson Teddy Conway. She is survived by four of her children: Charles Connon Jenkins (Cheryl), Robert Corey Jenkins (Jean), Ryan Keith Jenkins (Julie), Kathleen Manning (Boyd); 27 grandchildren and spouses, and 18 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Road. Friends may visit family on Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary.

Interment, Lindquist''s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch.

Nana was a beautiful combination of tender caregiver and sassy matriarch. She could debate any subject and usually win. She was a loyal friend and kept everyone entertained with her sharp, quick wit and spirited nature. Her playful back talk and sweet spirit will sorely be missed.