Gloria Marie Winther Jensen

Gloria Marie Winther Jensen, 93, a remarkable spitfire of a woman, passed away peacefully from renal failure surrounded by her family on April 16, 2026 in Riverton, Utah. She was born December 6, 1932 to Frank and Marie Winther in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was a happy, out-going only child for 13 years and was delighted at the birth of her baby sister, Trudy. She loved and took her little sister everywhere, even on dates. The sisters have maintained a special relationship throughout their lives. After graduating from Granite High School, she attended the University of Utah where she excelled as a student and met Joseph E. Jensen. They quickly learned that their names rhymed, their birthdays were one day apart, and they could sing in perfect harmony. The ballad of Joe and Glo began on June 19, 1953 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple and includes a chorus of 6 children, 32 grandchildren and 59 great grandchildren with 1 great great grandchild on the way. They made beautiful music together for 73 years. Joe and Glo were a match made in heaven. Literally. After Joe's retirement in 1991, they wore matching outfits head to toe every day, yes, every day for 34 years. She was devoted to Joe with her whole soul and he to her.

They moved to Southern California in 1957 living primarily in La Crescenta where Joe continued teaching school for 45 years. Gloria was a homemaker and hairdresser, giving cuts and perms to friends, family, and missionaries. They loved her haircuts as much as her stories, common sense advice, and loving friendship. When the children were grown, she worked as a substitute teacher for the Glendale School District and taught cosmetology.

Gloria had a way with words and rhymes and was a gifted writer and lyricist. Rhyming was one of her superpowers. Besides writing many winning roadshows (an original short musical), she wrote special programs, skits, tributes and eulogies all in rhyme. Each of these was clever, funny and slightly irreverent. All of their Christmas cards and birth announcements were set to verse. Even their wedding announcement rhymed! Their current answering machine message is, "Hello! Joe and Glo Jensen from Tithing Hill. Answer your call, we certainly will! "

Glo was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Every night before going to sleep Joe and Glo would lie in bed, hold hands and say out loud "Thank you God!" They loved serving people. Going to Shandong, China for one year to teach English to college students and medical doctors was a choice experience for them. They went out of their way to help others, somehow showing up at just the right time often laden with food or treats. Glo made friends wherever she went and had the unique gift of connecting with people immediately and making them feel like family.

She filled every room she entered and any spare moment with stories, music, games and food. Lots of it. Feeding a large crowd of people was one of her love languages. She and Joe always stood on their porch waving goodbye until the taillights were no longer visible. Now we are the ones standing on her porch waving good-bye. We love you and will miss you.

She is survived by her loving husband, Joseph, and six children and spouses: Bonnie Groberg (George), Chris Jensen (Laura-divorced), Julie Price (Rob), Cary Jensen (Suzy), Cherie Zimmerman (Eric), Jennie Bethers (Dave); 32 grandchildren: Brenda, Gretchen, Heidi, Laura, Andrew, Annie, and Joseph (Groberg), David, Jonathan, and Matthew (Jensen), Michael, Jamie, Jodie, Anna, and Angie (Price), Kyle, Blaine, Samantha, Drew, Christian, and Cameron (Jensen), Taylor, Connor, Parker, Hunter, Chandler, Kenzie, and Bridger (Zimmerman), Addie, Jackie, Morgan, and Landon (Bethers); 59 great grandchildren; her sister, Trudy Sommer (Dick) and their sons Darin (Johnnie) and Tyler (Janice).

Memorial services will be May 2, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Riverton Summerhill Stake Center 12120 South 1300 West Riverton, Utah. In lieu of a viewing, following the memorial service, everyone is invited to visit and share a light lunch together. Nothing would make mom happier. Flowers brought her joy; feel free to give some to your loved ones instead. Even better, gather with loved ones, wear matching colors and enjoy some time together. And don't forget the chocolate!

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