Mary Sherlene Clove

Our sweet mama, Mary Sherlene Jensen Clove (lovingly known as Gramee, Gigi and Auntie Glitz), passed peacefully from this life into Daddy's waiting arms on Wednesday May 28, 2025, at the age of 91. She was born November 4,1933 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Raymond and Verda (Farnsworth) Jensen. Sherlene is survived by younger brothers Gene Jensen (Sami) and Dan Page (Elna Rae), daughters Candace Hutton (Russell) and Cayla Boyce (David), five grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sweetheart, Dennis, elder sisters June and Barbara and grandson, Luke.

When Sherlene was young her parents ran a "honky-tonk" and later built their own place, the Day & Nite Inn in Salina, Utah. Her contribution to this new endeavor was slopping the pigs with food scraps and leftovers. One day after finishing her chores lightning struck at her feet, throwing her several feet through the air. We used to tease that's how she got such a "magnetic" personality.

Unfortunately, while still very young, a family member who should have loved and protected Sherlene, began abusing her instead. Additionally, her parents divorced when she was eight resulting in her being separated from the father she dearly loved and trusted. These experiences left a ragged hole in Mama's heart and she often said that her "naughty" childhood behavior was just an attempt to cope with the wound left by these events.

The year Sherlene began 9th grade, her family moved close to Enterprise, Utah. She loved the time in Enterprise and had many happy memories of dances in town and out at Veyo, movies at the church and new theater in town, and lots and lots of Rook parties. It was during this time that she became friends with Dennis Clove, the postmaster's son. It didn't take long for Mama to figure out that all the love letters she kept getting were coming from Dennis, especially since they all appeared in the family mailbox without a stamp.

In addition to being sweethearts, Mama and Daddy were also competitors, vying for top honors at school. "If home economics had been worth a full credit like shop was for the boys, we would have been co-valedictorians," Mama would proudly remind us. So, as Valedictorian and Salutatorian, they, along with eight other classmates, made up the Enterprise High School graduating class of 1951.

Sherlene began college at the University of Utah, later transferring to the Utah State, Cedar City campus from which she graduated with a degree in elementary education. Mama was a dedicated student, awarded scholarships each year, allowing her to stay in school and finish her education. She loved college and participated in many clubs and activities, including serving as editor of the school newspaper "The South Utahn".

Even though she went on lots of dates and had her share of beaus, Sherlene's heart belonged to Dennis. She was waiting at the train station for him when he returned home from Europe after serving in the Army. Following their marriage in the St George temple on August 18, 1956, the newlyweds headed to Salt Lake City to begin their grand adventure together.

Mama & Daddy's first home was a basement apartment owned by Dennis' Aunt Milda Murray. Sherlene taught 4th grade in Murray School district until their first child, Candace Ann (Candy), was born on November 4, 1959 - Mama's 26th birthday. Three years later they moved into their own home, also in Murray, where a second daughter, Cayla Rae (Cookie) was born on May 12, 1963, which just happened to be Mothers' Day that year. Mama always said her two girls were the best presents she ever got. Always wanting a large family but only able to have two children, Mama consoled herself by saying that what she lacked in quantity she made up for in quality.

As a child growing up Sherlene never had a birthday party with a cake, presents, and friends, so she made up for that by planning and hosting the most amazing birthday parties her two little girls could dream of. Everything from roller skating, trips to the zoo, and sleepovers, even a housewarming party for the new playhouse Dennis had built in the backyard. One year Butch and Cookie, the chimpanzees from Hogle Zoo, showed up as special guests at Cookie's party. Sherlene's creations never failed to thrill those invited with a themed cake, decorations and gift bags. Yes, her girls were spoiled! Sherlene also loved planning and hosting bridal showers for her nieces with hand-painted memory books, teaching 4-H and taking her 4-H'ers to camp, writing plays and skits, sewing, serving in Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary.

In 1969, Sherlene returned to teaching, working at Spring Lane Preschool for Ruth Espedahl, a wonderful mentor and great friend. Ruth saw Sherlene's talent and potential, encouraging her development and leading to Mama pursuing a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. School was truly Mama's "happy place." She taught kindergarten for many years in Jordan School District and served as the district Early Childhood Education specialist. Mama enjoyed not only educating children but loved sharing her skills and knowledge with teachers throughout the state, presenting classes for the Deseret News and Brigham Young University. Sherlene truly loved children, always looking for, finding and believing in their great potential. Throughout the years Sherlene has blessed the lives of hundreds of young learners. It was almost impossible for her to go anywhere in the Salt Lake area without hearing "Mrs. Clove, Mrs. Clove", then having a former student or their parent come running up for hugs and catch-up stories.

Sherlene didn't slow down in retirement, instead she continued to be a lifelong learner. She took art classes at Dixie from Del Parson resulting in, many beautiful sketches and paintings. She learned how to play the organ and took piano lessons, culminated in her successful performance of Claude Debussy's "Clair de Lune." Crocheting was another skill Sherlene excelled at with many lucky young couples receiving their family name crocheted and framed as a wedding gift. Mama enjoyed sewing beautiful dresses for her granddaughters, complete with puffed sleeves, pin tucks, and ruffles. Then there was all the delicious food she made! Whenever asked her secret to making everything taste so good Mama would laugh and say, "I stirred it with my magic finger." We never did figure out which of her fingers was the "magic" one. After daddy died Mama still had one unfulfilled dream- visiting Israel to walk where Jesus walked. Her granddaughter Jamee helped make that happen. It was truly one of the highlights of her life!

Mama and her siblings stayed close throughout their lives, with a rotating family letter, sharing news of life, challenges and accomplishments. When the Come Follow Me program started several years ago, the 5 of them began a weekly call every Monday evening, sharing thoughts on the current lesson and family news. Something she looked forward to every week.

As her eyesight worsened from macular degeneration Mama slowly lost the ability to do many of the things she enjoyed, which was very disheartening for her. She bought an electronic magnifier so she could continue reading her scriptures, a verse, a line, and ultimately a word at a time. She enjoyed listening to conference talks and Come Follow Me podcasts. She remembered everyone's birthday and loved doing special little things for her friends and neighbors. She always looked forward to visits from her grandchildren and great grandchildren, especially having tea parties with her "girls." Even though she only had a vision field the size of a nail head, she always noticed when someone painted their nails or wore a pretty color. She truly loved color and everything beautiful! Sherlene helped make the world a beautiful place, and we are all beneficiaries of her loving touch.

We would like to express our thanks to family members and friends who came to visit Mama, and the staff of Spring Gardens Assisted Living and Applegate Home Health and Hospice who cared for Mama the last few months of her life. We feel very blessed that she was surrounded by so many loving souls!

Funeral services for Sherlene will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. Friends and family may call from 9:00 - 9:30 am with memorial services beginning at 10:00. Sherlene will be laid to rest next to Dennis in the Holt Family Cemetery near Enterprise, Utah. In lieu of flowers, Mama asked that you buy a book for a special child in your life and read it with them.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Friends and family are invited to sign Sherlene's online guest book at www.splisburymortuary.com

We love you, mama!