Jennifer Cowan Ingles

The Best Caregiver is Finally Resting

Jennifer Jeanne Cowan Ingles celebrated her life by being there for her family, friends, and anyone that needed her. She was born on September 28th,1948 to David Elmer Cowan and Josephine Helen Ortega Cowan. She passed away peacefully at her home in South Jordan, Utah due to complications from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). She was preceded in death by her parents; her son-in-law, Christopher Phillip Wach; and her granddaughter, Katie Jennifer Wach. She is survived by her brother Evan D. Cowan (Dana), her children Ricki J. Wach-Cook (Val), J. Chérie Ingles, and John D. Ingles, plus nine grandkids, and one great-granddaughter.

Jennifer, Jen, Jenny was a loving caregiver to her children, her parents, her friends, and anyone that happened to run into her in their time of need. It was her true calling. It’s the first thing people say, “Jenny was there for me when I needed it most. You knew if you needed help, she would be there.”

Jennifer was born and raised in Bountiful, Utah. She was a true city girl. She got the taste of life on a farm during her years in Colorado, while she was married to Richard E. Ingles. They were raising their three kids, pigs, chickens, turkeys, sheep and 22 cats on 40 acres.

Jenny was very talented and had several hobbies but her favorite was fishing. Any opportunity she got she was there with her pole. She loved it so much she took her kids and grandkids out to enjoy it with her. She loved driving in her convertible, and even taught her granddaughter, Megan, to drive. She loved hanging out with her friends from the Singles Ward, and truly enjoyed their four wheeler events. She met lots of friends there, and would attend all of their dances.

Jenny loved music, and tried to instill that in her children: including dancing around the house, and singing in the car to the radio. She had them start with the piano, which she was a master at, and then let them try other instruments. Sadly, none of them learned to love the piano like she and her father did. However, all of her children, influenced by Jenny’s love of music and being active, played sports, sang in choir, and her daughters performed in musicals.

No matter what the event, Jennifer was there to support her children and grandchildren, cheering them on. She was grateful for the opportunity to mentor a second generation when she stepped in as part time caregiver and surrogate second Mother to two of her grandkids: Spencer and LilleeOna Godfrey. Lovingly called “Gonga” in the Godfrey home. With them she again shared her love of sports, helping coach soccer with her daughter, Cherie. Attending as many activities as possible for her grandkids and celebrating with them after each event at McDonald’s to eat and play at the playland.

Always active and curious, Jenny was grateful to have been able to travel extensively. Thanks to family vacations, moving several times with IBM, Dell, and Intel she got to visit 50 states, DC, and at least 15 countries. Jennifer got to complete her 50th state, Alaska, while caregiver to her father David; fulfilling one of his last requests. Career moves provided her the opportunity to live in Georgia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Texas, Virginia, and Washington State. She found beauty in each place and shared it every chance she had. Whether it was the food, history, culture, or natural beauty, she loved immersing herself, her family and friends in the uniqueness of each location.

Jennifer was a beacon of light, a lifeline when they needed help, and a bright cheerful smile that radiated joy to all. Friends frequently gave her lighthouses as she was a lighthouse in the storm for them.

Jenny was very proud when she got to go back to school. She first attended Colorado State University. Unfortunately, with children still at home, it wasn't the right time. Without regret, she postponed her education again. While her youngest, John was serving an LDS mission, she finally had her chance. Jennifer enrolled at Puget Sound Community College in Washington. There, she had an amazing group of friends, and earned her certificate in Culinary Arts. She dreamed of becoming a pastry chef. Life, again, had other plans, and she returned to Utah to become the primary caregiver for her parents. Then for her Godfrey grandkids, and once again helping out with the Wach grandkids so Ricki could be with Chris during his cancer treatments.

When Jenny would let her hair down, she had a wild side! She had the need for speed!!! Her Dad called her Mario Andretti Jr. because she loved to drive FAST!!! She knew how to put the pedal to the medal! She dreamed of racing on a speedway, and made that dream come true with the NASCAR Racing Experience, and the Richard Petty Driving Experience, in Nevada. She used her driving skills in Idaho during forest fires as a front line supply driver for the Payette National Forest Fire Response Team. She loved the adrenaline of driving, whether fast around a track, or rushing supplies into “hot zones”. She was truly happy behind the wheel.

When people think of Jenny, they remember her as kind; thoughtful; generous with her time and money; silly; and funny. She was ALWAYS there for them. She took great care to be there for her family, and she was also there for her friends and anyone in need. She was a certified hospice worker and helped care for friends’ aging parents, or a sick or sad friend. She was the first to decorate your car or house on your birthday, or other celebrations (and toilet papering before it was a misdemeanor). She would show up out of nowhere with your favorite treat. She would whisk you away to dinner just because. She tried so hard to show Christ-like love to all, and we know she was successful. She is done here on earth, but we know she will continue her caregiving duties on the other side. Now a guardian angel. Heaven is blessed with you there, Mom. We are so grateful for your example and love.

Per Jennifer’s wishes there will be no public services. Jennifer requested to be cremated and her remains placed by her children in: Bountiful, Utah; the Puget Sound area of Washington; and McCall, Idaho. Jenny selected specific places to rest that she loved, and meant the world to her. It is our honor to fulfill her final wishes, and return her to those places so we can visit her there, and reflect on the memories they hold of a life well lived.

Thank you to each and every one who was a part of making our mother’s time here on earth special. We are forever grateful for your impact on her life, and ours. May you take a moment and reflect fondly on your memories of Jennifer, and may you follow her example and seek to show kindness to everyone you meet.

If you would like to donate to the Cure for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) the link is below. Thank you.

https://tinyurl.com/4j9zttsm