Jeanette Val Rawson Bringhurst

Jeanette Val Rawson Bringhurst, 87, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Herriman, Utah, on Sunday, December 29, 2024. In her final days, her children surrounded her with love, both in person and virtually, cherishing precious moments together. Her passing was marked by tender farewells and the comfort of knowing she would soon reunite with loved ones eagerly awaiting her on the other side.

As the story goes, on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1937, in Union (now Midvale), Utah, there came a knock at the door. On the steps, nestled in a black bag, was a beautiful baby girl, delivered to William Arthur and Murvel Ione Gregory Rawson. She was their third child and second daughter. Named Jeanette after her mother’s favorite movie star, Jeanette MacDonald, and given the middle name Val in honor of Valentine’s Day, it seemed destiny that she was born on the day of love—a quality that defined her throughout her life.

Jeanette grew up in Sandy, Utah, and graduated from Jordan High School in 1955. As a middle schooler, she spent her summers picking berries and fruit, and then later babysitting or working as an elevator operator at the Boston Building in Salt Lake City to earn money for school clothes that she and her sister would share throughout the school year. During her senior year, she worked at First Security Bank typing U.S. Savings Bonds. Her early eye for fashion and her strong work ethic were traits she carried throughout her life.

On February 18, 1957, Jeanette married Keith Pierce Bringhurst in the Salt Lake City Temple. They celebrated their union with a reception at the Avalon Ballroom—the same place where, in the parking lot the September prior, he had asked her to marry him. Together, they built a life and a family, raising seven children and sharing many memorable years before later in life parting ways.

Jeanette’s days were filled with caregiving to her family, preparing for family trips (many to Lake Powell), sewing, and serving in church callings. She especially loved working with the Young Women, as it allowed her to feel young at heart. She was an avid reader (could finish a book in a day or two), a chocolate lover who often thought she had cleverly hidden her stash from the kids, and a proud grandmother who adored spending time with her family.

To help pay for her eldest son’s mission, Jeanette worked nights, waiting tables from 10 PM to 6 AM at Perkins, while also part-time bookkeeping for them as well. Later, when her youngest children were in school, she worked for Jordan School District’s attendance office and eventually for Murray School District in roles such as secretary over inventory, teacher certification, and accounts payable. She loved her work and retired in 2002.

In her 40s, Jeanette took up running and discovered a natural talent for the sport. She was quite competitive, frequently placing in the top three of her age group. Whether through service, family, or personal pursuits, Jeanette’s energy and determination inspired those around her.

Jeanette embraced a vibrant retirement, dedicating herself to service as a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She treasured her roles as a temple ordinance worker and an usher at the Church’s Conference Center. Jeanette and her sisters lovingly cared for their mother during her final years, a period they often reminisced about with deep fondness.

When not serving others, Jeanette delighted in traveling to visit family. Her journeying took her to places like Brazil, where she lived for 8 months, Italy, Paris, Mexico, Canada, and to many states domestically. Jeanette also embarked on traveling adventures with her sisters. When she could no longer travel, she enjoyed spirited games of Farkle, Bunco, or Skunko with friends and neighbors. Known for her impeccable style, Jeanette had a keen eye for matching outfits, jewelry, purses, and shoes, a passion she indulged with her sister on their shop excursions to Deseret Industries well into their golden years.

For decades, Jeanette and her sisters gathered weekly for “Pizza Wednesdays,” temple visits, or movie nights – a cherished tradition that kept them close and honored their parents’ legacy. Jeanette often expressed gratitude for the deep and loving relationships she shared with her sisters, saying she felt truly blessed to have them in her life and didn’t know how she’d ever have gotten along without them.

Her father would always say, “When you get old, the only thing that is really important, is your family.” Jeanette not only embraced this wisdom but lived it fully, dedicating herself and her life to being mother, grandmother, sister, and friend and serving all those around her. In her later years, she reflected on his words, saying, “Now I know what he meant.” 

Jeanette is survived by her seven children: Steve (Ang) Bringhurst, Boise, ID; Shauna Whipple, Heber, UT; Sherry Morrison, Salt Lake City, UT; Linda (Brad) Burgess, Heber City, UT; Michelle (James) Jackson, Raymond, Canada; Michael (Consetta) Bringhurst, Riverton, UT; and Lynette Hulse, Chesapeake, VA, 32 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild; sisters Marlene Mounteer, Sandy ,UT; Gloria (Wes) Anderson Sandy, UT; Rose Ann (Paul) Chamberlin Sandy, UT; Margene (Mark) Goodmansen, South Jordan, UT; Diane (Jeff) Nelson West Jordan, UT; and sister in law Marilyn Rawson, Sandy, UT. 

Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents William Arthur and Murvel Rawson, siblings Annette Swapp, Joyce Rawson, William Richard Rawson, and Joan Evans, and her three grandchildren, Cody Whipple, Brittany Graham, and Bradley Burgess. 

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm at the Harvest Park LDS Chapel located at 4501 W 11800 South, Riverton, Utah 84096. Friends and family may call Friday evening, January 10, 2025 from 6-8 pm at Goff Mortuary located at 8090 S State Street, Midvale, UT 84047, and at the Harvest Park Chapel on Saturday, January 11, 2025, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Interment will take place at Sandy City Cemetery located at 700 E 9000 South, Sandy, UT 84070. 

The family wishes to thank the many friends and neighbors at the Incline at Anthem Apartments, and the medical providers and associates at Inspiration Home Health and Hospice, who have shown compassion and love for Jeanette. The service will be livestreamed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/GivUgL6a6Iw?feature=shared 

(The livestream video will appear when the service starts.)