Our mom and grandma, Yvonne Marie Richards Jex, returned to her heavenly home on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at the age of 85.

Yvonne was born on October 14, 1935 in Ogden, Utah and grew up in the avenues of Salt Lake City. She was the only daughter of Frank and Mabel Richards who provided many opportunities to hone her musical gifts and talents. At an early age, she attended meetings at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and developed her faith. She graduated from East High School in 1954 and enrolled at Brigham Young University where she sang in the Fieldhouse Follies and met the love of her life, Keith Jex. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on September 19, 1955.

She loved her family, especially her sweetheart Keith. They raised three children, Ann Marie, Frank, and Jodie and resided in Sandy, Utah during the early years of their marriage. As a young family, they lived and worked on a farm that provided plenty of animals, room for the kids to roam, and opportunity for hard work. They later moved to what is now known as Saratoga Springs and established another farm for over 25 years. They enjoyed many long-lasting friendships and memories there, including watching their grandchildren learn and grow. When it was time to fully retire, they moved to Draper by the temple where Yvonne served in the baptistry for several years. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and enjoyed having them come to her house for gatherings and parties. She would often end phone calls with, “tell the kids I love them” to not forget anyone.

Another great love of her life was music. From an early age, she found great joy and purpose through practicing and performing. Over the years, she was a music teacher to many students of piano, voice, guitar, and violin and cherished helping others develop their talents. She was gifted in each area, and we especially loved to listen to her play the violin. She participated in many musical groups including the Schubert Singers and the Apron Strings violinists. She also served as the ward chorister many times throughout her life.

She always enjoyed going on walks outside and at the mall—where she also loved to shop! Everyone knew her for her bold sense of style and she delighted in staying young and vibrant. No matter where she went, she had a unique gift of being friendly and connecting with anyone. She would introduce people as, “my good friend” because they were all special and important to her.

The greatest challenge of her life was temporarily losing her eternal companion when Keith passed away in 2006. She was so lonely without him and didn’t let a day go by without remembering and revering him and their love. She found some comfort and companionship with her beloved Shih Tzu, Pasha, who took on a bright, sassy personality much like mom’s.

Thank you to the many wonderful caregivers at Sagewood who have looked after her these past nine months, during this unique and difficult time of the global pandemic. We know the circumstances haven’t been easy and we greatly appreciate all that you have done to care for and love her.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband, and son-in-law Steve. She is survived by her children Ann Marie, Frank (Heidi), and Jodie (John); 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren (with one on the way); brother-in-law Stan Jex; sister-in-law Pat Jex; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 24 at 2:00 PM, at the Murray City Cemetery located at 5490 South Vine Street, where she will be laid to rest with her sweetheart. The services will also be live streamed on Facebook at the link provided on the Jenkins-Soffe website.