Jeannine Bench Gordon

Jeannine Bench Gordon was born on September 30, 1937, in her grandmother Alice’s house in Manti, Utah. She lived in that house cared for by her mother (also Alice) and many aunts and uncles until her grandmother passed away when Jeannine was a young child. After that time, she lived with her Uncle Reed and Aunt Gwen in Orem, Utah. She met her husband, William Glade Gordon while picking raspberries with his angel mom, Donna. Jeannine and Glade welcomed four daughters within a few years which completed their family.

After his parents passed away and their daughters had moved into their own lives, Glade and Jeannine lived in the house that his parents built in Orem, surrounded by a good number of dogs, cats and an occasional bird, magnificent roses, trumpet vines and hummingbird feeders. They very often took their boat out fishing and truth be told, there wasn’t a trout that didn’t belong on dad’s perfectly placed hooks. Jeannine could clean, cook and eat a fish before it even knew it had left the water. They semi-patiently endured winter seasons, always rejoicing upon the arrival of spring.

Jeannine loved reading obituaries because of the stories told within those short glimpses into people’s lives. She loved these stories so much, in fact, that she insisted that we write a few lies in her own obituary to include similar tales of world travel, vast amounts of money and (most important) the hundreds of Afghans and quilts she crafted by hand to keep us all colorfully warm. Truth, however, is more vibrant than any falsehoods we might construct. She didn’t ever have enough money to have a college building named after her, but she always had enough to share with those in need. She didn’t travel the world, but she loved learning about all of the wonders of this planet. She didn’t ever crochet or piece a single quilt, but she did absolutely keep us all warm with her wonderful stories and unfailing love. It is this love that has sustained us throughout our lives thus far and will carry us forward as we learn to navigate this world while listening for her laughter within the sounds of good music (whatever you consider that to be) and the magical laughter of children. She taught us to make the most of whatever life provided. She taught us to live lives of great stories, loving kindness and empathy. It is through us that she shall always be vibrantly alive.

Jeannine perished on March 11, 2025, due to conditions often inflicted upon the decrepitly elderly (her words). She often reminded us that we would all know about these conditions in our own lives someday and to remember her words of warning. To be clear, her body perished but her Eternal Spirit was welcomed Home with open arms and shouts of joy by those on the other side of the thinnest of veils. Jeannine had an unwavering faith and love for her Father in Heaven and Brother, Jesus Christ. She knew with all of her heart that she would be welcomed by them along with all of those loved ones (including a vast series of dogs, and cats) who have gone before her. She especially listened for the beckoning voice of her grandmother, Alice, who surely called her to join her after so many years apart.

Jeannine is survived by her four daughters: Robbin Anthony, Pamela Gordon, Christine Gordon and Wendy (Gary) Church; 8 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild (so far). She is also survived by her brother and sister Grant Nielson and Cindy Hancock. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Wm. Glade, parents, grandparents and numerous family members. She was also proceeded in death by her faithful dog, Butch who walked with her during the years after dad passed in 2014.

It is with immense gratitude that Jeannine’s family thanks her many friends for expressing such great love and care for her. We also express deep gratitude for the heartfelt care provided by Valeo Home Healthcare and Hospice during mom’s last few weeks.

A special thanks goes to Jeannine’s granddaughter, Britanie Church for her constant and absolute love and care.

As firmly directed, a simple graveside service will be held on Friday, March 14 at 1:00 p.m. in the Orem City Cemetery but the stories must continue forever so don’t think just because you did or did not attend the service that you are excused from dancing and storytelling. These are the gifts we truly must send back to this great soul.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.