Jewel Opal Hunsaker: A Ray of Sunshine, Unplugged and Unforgettable

Our dearest Jewel Opal Hunsaker shed her earthly bounds on November 27, 2025, just as vibrant and full of spunk as the day she entered the world on August 29, 2010. Though our hearts are shattered, we take comfort knowing our most joyful spark is now dazzling in a new realm, undoubtedly telling everyone, “Have a nice day!”

Jewel was a 15-year-old masterpiece of pure, unfiltered joy. She was renowned for her energetic, vibrant personality and for having a heart so sympathetic and understanding it seemed to pulse with the very rhythm of nature she so loved. She possessed a strong, quiet love for her Savior and lived that devotion by thriving on serving and pleasing others, often extending her kindness to strangers who instantly became her friends.

To know Jewel was to be loved by her. Her family and friends were truly her life’s great passion, but when she wasn’t showering them with affection (or free gifts she always made sure to grab for her siblings), you could find her deeply immersed in her creative pursuits. She was an accomplished artist, whether she was sketching and drawing or meticulously building massive structures on Minecraft.

The Spunkiest Heart of Gold

Jewel was goofy, loving, and a perpetual ray of sunshine who considered it her personal mission to make every face she encountered crack a smile or burst into laughter. She had a mischievous spunkiness that truly defined her; her father, Larry Jr., will forever remember the highly effective conversation-ender she deployed when she was done listening: simply removing her cochlear implants mid-sentence. Her love for her brothers and sister was unmatched—she never accepted a free treat or bought a special item without making sure she had something to take home for Charity, Logan, and CJ.

While we miss her terribly, we will always carry the warmth of the sunbeam she was to us all.

Jewel is profoundly missed by her immediate family: her father, Larry Hunsaker Jr.; her mother, Tracie Smith; her older sister, Charity Hunsaker; and her younger brothers, Logan Smith and CJ Smith. She also leaves behind her loving grandparents, Marie Mitchell, Mark and DeeAnn Shepherd, and Larry Sr. and Paula Hunsaker, along with a wide circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you simply perform an unexpected act of kindness today in Jewel’s memory—and be sure to tell that person, “Have a nice day!”

There will be a visitation on Friday morning, December 5, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 95 North 600 West, Orem, Utah. Immediately following the visitation, the funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. also at the church.

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10 Condolences for Jewel Opal Hunsaker

Condolences(10)

Brené Hogan says

December 1, 2025 at 12:12 am

I loved her more than anything. With out her, I don’t think that I would ever be even half of who I am today. She was such a loved person. If I could do anything right now, it would be to be able to say goodbye. I know it was part of God’s plan, but it’s still hard to let go.

REPLY
Marie Mitchell says
December 4, 2025 at 11:55 pm

She loved you. As her grandma, I know that by how she spoke about you.

Paisley Robbins says

December 1, 2025 at 3:32 pm

I didn’t know her, and I won’t pretend to know her, but I do know she has such a strong spirit and her comments in class we’re always the best. She was shy at first but towards the end of classes a couple weeks ago she always had a comment, it made class so much more engaging I will forever have respect for her.

David Gillis says

December 1, 2025 at 4:13 pm

Jewel was a bright spot in my teaching career. Her enthusiasm in class always helped create a positive atmosphere. She was kind to others and always asked me how I was doing. I could use more students like Jewel in my classroom. She will be missed, and my heart and prayers go out to her family and friends.

Joy says

December 2, 2025 at 2:45 am

Oh Marie! Your precious granddaughter was certainly a bright light in your family and she is absolutely her mother’s daughter. Our family sends love and prayers to yours. Joy

Janene Creer says

December 2, 2025 at 3:15 am

I had the privilege to be Jewels seminary teacher for the last month or so. She came in early every morning ready to chat and tell me her latest artistic endeavors or what she’d been reading, and so many other things. She was kind and joyful and always happy to contribute and participate in class which I was always so grateful for. She truly was a Jewel and she will be greatly missed.

Alice says

December 2, 2025 at 3:37 am

She was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Every day she would be sad that a friend of her was sad. She was very empathetic and I know she is missed by many.

Hayden Jepson says

December 2, 2025 at 3:57 pm

i knew jewel we went to the same school. we had a few classes together she was always so bright and she was always helping people who were struggling or needed help in any way she would also help me in school and explain things that i didn’t understand, there was one time i remember there was a doughnut day at school and she bought a giant box of doughnuts and she was just giving out the doughnuts to the people who had forgot their money and she also gave some to her friends, she was just a kind person and i am so glad i got to know her for the little time we had together she was the type of person who made this world better and i am so upset that she isn’t able to live the rest of her life and i am gravely sorry to her parents

Kyren Retzlaff says

December 2, 2025 at 10:12 pm

Jewel was a bright loving person. When I first knew her in 7th grade she was a very close friend to me and as nice as ever. Jewel was there for me at my lowest and showed me the bright side. Jewel helped me and supported me through everything. Jewel felt like my best friend at some moments because she was always there for me. I loved having Jewel as a friend. She was the bestest friend I ever had and encouraged me to keep going in life. Thank you Jewel for being a part of my life

Sophia Leckie says

December 4, 2025 at 11:50 am

My heart is hemorrhaging for everyone in this sweet angel’s inner circle. I can’t even imagine how you’re all going on day to day as the world as we know it keeps spinning on. Cherish each day and savor it. I love you and am so sorry for this tragedy. I love Jewel very much. Take care of yourselves and each other until it’s our stop off this planet.

Jewel Opal Hunsaker August 29, 2010 - November 27, 2025

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10 Condolences for Jewel Opal Hunsaker