Jolene Wright Hansen

Jolene Wright Hansen, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Ogden, Utah, on March 22, 1940, Jolene was the third of four children born to George E. and Lora Thorne Wright.

While in high school Jolene met the love of her life, Don V. Hansen, at a church function. It was love at first sight. Their courtship continued through letters and brief visits while Don was in the Army, and stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on June 4, 1958.

Their marriage was an adventure that took them across the country. They began their life together in Texas, followed by moves to Boston, where their daughter Shelley was born, and later San Diego where their daughter Karla was born. Following an assignment in St. Paul, Minnesota, Don and Jolene returned West to prioritize education. They moved back to Ogden for Don to complete his Bachelors degree, then moved to Tucson for his Master’s degree. Finally settling in San Diego. It was there they welcomed their son, Michael. Their home was always open; they later participated in the Indian Student Placement Program, sponsoring four Navajo students—Charlotte, Geri, Jean, and Johnny—who became members of the family.

Jolene was also a successful small business owner. Using her secretarial skills she began an independent typing service. She was an early technology adopter transitioning from a manual typewriter to an IBM Selectric, to being the first person in the neighborhood to purchase a personal computer. She was a self-taught word processor. She typed thesis and dissertations by graduate students from multiple San Diego universities and supported several businesses in the area.

Jolene was a active member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. As camp president she worked with the City of San Diego to install a permanent monument to the Mormon Battalion in Presidio Park.

A founding member of the Golden Thimble Quilt Club, she was an avid quilter, and her children and grandchildren were the fortunate recipients of her handiwork. After her move to Utah Jolene shifted her focus to needlepoint, creating pillows that now grace the homes of most of her family members.

A stalwart member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jolene served faithfully in the Young Womens organization as president at both ward and stake levels. Her responsibilities included planning monthly Saturday night dances for church youth and the annual girl’s summer camps. She also served as a Relief Society President ministering to the women and families within her ward. However, her heart was deeply invested in her eight years as an early-morning Seminary teacher. During this time, she became a dedicated scripture scholar. Each year, she purchased a fresh set of scriptures to "train," marking them up with new insights so her study would never grow stale.

Her life was the embodiment of the covenant made in Mosiah 18:8-9, being "willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light... and to comfort those that stand in need of comfort."

This covenant was tested and proven in her role as a caregiver. When her mother, Lora, suffered from Alzheimer’s, Jolene and Don brought her parents into their home for two years. Jolene threw herself into this labor of love, educating herself on the disease and ensuring her mother’s dignity. Later, when Don also was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Jolene lovingly cared for him for 8 years before he required fulltime medical care. During these challenging years, she also provided a home for one of her daughter’s and her grandchildren, ensuring that her grandchildren felt safe and secure despite the difficulties surrounding them.

Jolene’s Patriarchal Blessing promised that she would comfort and care for the “sick of soul.” She fulfilled this distinct mission not only for her family but for her community. She moved to Springville, Utah after the death of her husband where she recognized a need and established a dementia support group. She also volunteered weekly to sit with Alzheimer’s patients, giving other weary caregivers a much-needed respite.

Jolene leaves behind her daughters, Shelley K. Holley of Frisco, Texas and Karla S. Munson of Spanish Fork, Utah; her son, Michael E. Hansen of San Diego, California; and Charlotte Esplain Davison, Geraldine and Jean Dugi, and Johnny Rosales, the Navajo children who joined their home and were as dear to her as her own. She is survived by 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, with 2 more expected in 2026. She is also survived by her younger brother, Vestell Wright, Austin, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her sister, Carol Lee; and her brother, George "Ron" Wright.

Jolene leaves behind a legacy of resilience, dedicated faith, and charity. She will be deeply missed, but her family rejoices in the knowledge that she is reunited with her beloved husband.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Monday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Ogden City Cemetery, 1875 Monroe Blvd, Ogden, Utah.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.