Jewel Elkington

Jewel Rhea Benson Elkington, age 75, died Aug. 29, 2013 at home in Kaysville, Utah. She fought health challenges with strength and determination. So great was her enthusiasm and zest for life, God had to find a way to slow her down.
Jewel was born Jan. 22, 1938, in Blackfoot, Idaho, to Andrew Ammon and Rhea Oldham Benson. She gathered friends across all walks of life, and people were drawn to her warmth and acceptance. She was known for her sparkling personality and lively sense of humor. As a child, she was the ringleader of fun and trouble. She organized the Wonder Woman Club at age 6 with friends who wanted to battle the local boys. She was the star of her dad’s roller skating rink, where she wowed crowds as her father swung Jewel until a match held in her teeth struck the floor and caught fire.
Jewel attended Ricks College prior to graduating from BYU with a degree in elementary education. At BYU, she met her sweetheart, William Larry Elkington, at a church dance. They met on Mother’s Day, were engaged by Father’s Day, and were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on Oct. 28, 1959. They raised their family in Bountiful, Utah, where they developed many lifelong friends. They also enjoyed retirement and their friends in the St. George area.
Married for 53 years, Jewel and Larry raised 5 children: Lori Whipple, Kevin Elkington (Christine), Karol Elkington, Wendy Boisjolie (Greg) and Jennifer Hughes (Ben). She is also survived by her husband, 15 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; her sister, Linda, and brothers, John (Lee), Bruce (Ginny), and Michael (Regina). She is preceded in death by her parents.
She was the “jewel” of Larry’s heart and his love for her was evident in the tender care he provided. Jewel always said that in their marriage, she was the gas and Larry the brakes. To the end, their love burned bright, and she was happiest when Larry was nearby.
Jewel excelled at shopping and couldn’t pass up a bargain. Her home was filled with books. She loved the arts, especially opera and beautiful music. Jewel had an artist’s soul and a flair for color and design, but she devoted herself to her family and said her children were her greatest masterpiece.
Jewel was a devoted, faithful daughter of God. She served Him diligently in many callings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and took care of home and family so her husband could serve in church leadership positions. She had abiding faith in her Savior Jesus Christ.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013 at the Bountiful 13th Ward, 1365 N. 650 E., Bountiful, Utah. A visitation will be held Monday, Sept. 2, 2013, from 6-8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary in Bountiful, Utah, and the day of services at the church from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment Kaysville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.