Melinda Sue Jensen Arnold Obituary (1956 - 2016)

Melinda Sue Jensen Arnold returned Home peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on September 15, 2016. Melinda was born July 20, 1956 to Marianne and Lyman Jensen in Oxnard, CA. A California girl in the '60s, Melinda lived in various areas of Southern California until she moved to Brigham City at the age of 8. She spent summers climbing avocado trees and riding bicycles through farming towns, and as the oldest of six children, she loved her siblings and was a great example and strength to them. Just don't ask about the times her younger sister stole her Barbies and cut off all their hair… Melinda and her family moved to Holladay, UT in 1969, and she attended Olympus High School, graduating in 1974. As a young lady, she cultivated many great talents, and her love of sewing continued throughout her life. She even made her own wedding dress, and has loved creating quilts, clothing, and craft projects for friends and family. Her fabric stash is to be rivaled by only the most serious collectors. Melinda met her sweetheart Brent in high school and wrote him while he served an LDS mission. They were married in August 1977 in the Salt Lake Temple, and they lived the first few years of their married lives up in Logan, UT and Burley, ID. She worked various administrative jobs while Brent attended Utah State University and worked at Del Monte. They moved to Price, UT in 1982 and began their family with son Matthew, and daughters Emily and Rebecca. Being a mother was the joy of Melinda's life, and she was privileged to stay at home and raise her three kids with a love and optimism that will serve them for the rest of their lives. In 1992 they moved as a family to South Jordan, UT, a place they have called home for the past 24 years. Melinda has served in many callings in the local LDS ward, including some of her favorites in the Primary and Relief Society. She had many close friends in the ward, and she will be remembered by all for her boisterous laugh, her willingness to serve, and her love of all things chocolate and Disney. Melinda is survived by her husband Brent, and her three children, Matthew, Emily, and Rebecca (Ryne Vogel). She was the proud grandma to sweet Bennon, and she always loved his antics and energy. She is also survived by her father, Lyman Jensen, siblings, and many other relatives and loved ones who feel the profound loss of her in our lives. She is preceded in death by her mother, Marianne Richards Jensen, sister-in-law April Barker Jensen, and grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who were eagerly awaiting her return Home. Funeral services will be held at the LDS chapel on 2550 West 9800 South, South Jordan, Utah on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 11:00am. A viewing will be held from 10:00-10:45 am prior to the services, as well as on Monday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah. Interment at South Jordan City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LDS Church Humanitarian Fund. Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe South Valley 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway South Jordan, UT