On Monday, October 28, 2024, Gloria Jean Hartvigsen Jensen, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, after a sudden and brief battle with cancer. Her strong spirit and humor stayed with her until the very end, and we’re sure she left this world wearing her signature lipstick.
Gloria was born on July 14, 1946, in Payson, Utah, to Arthur and Norma Hartvigsen. She spent her early childhood in Santaquin and then moved to Spanish Fork, where she quickly learned the value of hard work on the family’s dairy farm. After graduating from Spanish Fork High School in 1964, where she was a proud cheerleader and member of the pep team, Gloria continued her education at Snow College, carrying her school spirit as a college cheerleader.
On April 14 1966, Gloria married Darrall Jensen in the Manti Temple, and they built a home in Salem where they raised five children. Though they later divorced, Gloria remained in Salem, anchoring her family with unwavering love and grit. As a single mother, she juggled two or three jobs to support her children, working for 14 years at Nu Skin and later as the Office Manager at Agel, where her coworkers became lifelong friends and partners in laughter.
Gloria was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as a stake librarian for over 20 years. She also found great joy as a leader for the Utah Valley Single Adults, where she made countless friends and helped others find belonging and laughter. Music was another of her gifts—despite not reading music, she taught herself to play the banjo, guitar, piano, and organ by ear. Her country music band, where she sang backup and played banjo, entertained crowds across Utah, from fairs to small town celebrations.
Her talents didn’t stop at music. Gloria’s kitchen was a haven for anyone needing a meal or a bit of comfort. Known for her homemade bread, roasts, scones, and legendary English toffee, she fed both body and soul. Her love for her family and friends extended to her ever-prepared “Mary Poppins” bag, filled with anything anyone could need—“just in case.”
Gloria loved Diet Coke, a spotless house, a good pair of high heels, a family gathering or quick trip to Wendover. Her travels took her around the world, but she was happiest with her family around her, sharing a laugh and a meal. Her unwavering love, sharp wit, and delightful sense of humor will live on in our hearts.
She is survived by her five children: Glen (Kathy) Jensen, Darren (Carolee) Jensen, Brent (Suzette) Jensen, Brian (Diana) Jensen, and Abbie (Jeff) Higginson; her 24 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her three brothers: Richard, Phillip, and Michael Hartvigsen.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, November 5th from 6:00-8:00 PM at Walker Mortuary in Spanish Fork. A celebration of Gloria’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 6th at 11:00 AM at the LDS Stake Center at 695 S. 300 W., Salem, with a viewing prior from 9:30-10:45 AM. Interment will be at the Salem City Cemetery.
In her memory, let’s all be a little kinder, keep a spare lipstick handy, and always, always be prepared with a laugh.
2 Condolences for Gloria Jean Hartvigsen Jensen
Condolences(2)
Amanda Rand (Chapple) says
November 5, 2024 at 11:59 pmAbbie and family-I’m so sorry to hear about your mama! Gloria was a lovely lady and always kind to me in high school. Sending lots of love your way ❤️🩹💝
Rose Marie Vance says
November 8, 2024 at 7:28 amThe Classiest woman I know, even when we went to Wendover overnight I never seen her without makeup, lipstick, hair perfect; she created an atmosphere of humor, the giggles never stopped; Her stories were totally relatable making our bond strengthened by our endurance and abilities to understand one another. She could take her Mercedes’s to the snow and ice parking lot and do figure eights at ridiculous high speeds; she was laughing I was screaming for help. We shared a common bond of work ethics dedicating ourselves to excellences. Knowing her as well as I did provided me with the love of her children. Gloria had the ability to see her children as individuals with the capacity to honor their abilities. If I must tell the truth of who is Gloria’s favorite child I must with every fiber of truth say, SHE LOVED ALL with the individual love each needed and all the love she had to give. As for me I worked with Glenn, Brent and her son in-heart Jeff and met the others from time to time. Being raised by a single mother these men are stellar, as Gloria’s mini ME’s. I love Glenn and Brent for their strength and gentleness; for their brilliance and humbleness; they were taught to work and learned common sense and wisdom as Gloria was stern and gentle; worked every so hard; but she knew how to play, laugh, cry, and pull herself up in any situation to giant stature. She was so proud of Jeff’s natural ability to be a husband and father. She admired and appreciated the way her. children honored and loved her. She is respected, honored and her voice was heard and she knew how to listen. Gloria taught me more through her actions and example. We met as part of the single adults program which we shared over a decade of close relationship.. Gloria moved to Salem dedicated the rest of her life to children, grands, greats. We spoke from time to time about her favorite career as mother; grand; and great; friends surrounded her always. my heart knows we celebrate her life, she is an Icon, and without love there can be no sorrow. I love Gloria and hope to feel her spirit, and be with her in the spirit world; she will always be known to me as a white owl and for now I morn her loss and mortal slumber. Until we meet again my dear Gloria. .