“Grannee” Marrilyn Jones Valenzuela

Marrilyn Jones Valenzuela passed away on September 1, 2024 in Millcreek, Utah surrounded by family. She was born on October 10, 1935 in Provo, Utah to Francis William Jones and Gwen Hurst Jones. Marrilyn graduated from West High School in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1953. After graduation, she worked for a time as a waitress, an elevator operator (it had its ups and downs), and as a receptionist. She married her fun guy, Dennis Eleazar Valenzuela, on February 23, 1957 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The two were later sealed on February 20, 1959 in the Salt Lake Temple following Dennis’ inspiring conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

As a couple, Dennis and Marrilyn were inseparable. They enjoyed traveling the country together in their RV “The Beaner” and in “Frau Blue-Car” to visit family (usually wearing matching outfits. “We’re not twins”). They loved dancing together and going on their daily walks and getting Grannee her daily Pepsi. The DenMar Duo cherished family and spent as much time with them as possible. They went on cruises, attended sporting events, planned family reunions, hosted Sunday potlucks/volleyball, and everything in between. No matter the activity, every family gathering always included three things: movie line quotes, laughter, and love. Gramps and Grannee were the embodiment of unwavering love and support to their family. That love created strong bonds that will last through eternity. 

Grannee spent much of her life exploring the wonders of southeastern Utah in the Blanding and Bluff areas with her family. That part of the state was settled by her grandparents, and she was fiercely proud of her pioneer heritage. She regularly took her children and grandchildren to that part of the state and created countless memories there - the “swinging” bridge, cream fights and tubing the San Juan River just to name a few. She honored her ancestors by gathering family heirlooms and creating the “Jonesonian” museum in her home and by writing and publishing family history books. She spent her entire life celebrating her ancestry and that love and admiration for her ancestors has been passed down to her children and grandchildren. 

Grannee had many hobbies throughout her life. She made chocolates at Christmastime, the best beans and eggs, donuts, and her hashbrowns were legendary. She took up belly dancing, puzzling, writing books, collecting cacti, making sugar eggs, sewing Christmas socks, keeping “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” in business, watching movies, and going on movie cruises. But her most prolific hobby was crocheting afghans. She made over 1500 afghans in her lifetime (1554 by some accounts). She gave them away as gifts to family and friends, but the vast majority were given to The Road Home Shelter and Refugee Center to give comfort and warmth to people who needed a little of that in their lives. Giving service was important to Grannee and that was an act of service she could perform with longevity. 

Grannee had a great life filled with adventure and trials. Through it all, her faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints stayed strong. She had a testimony of Jesus Christ and of the restored gospel. She dedicated her Thursdays to temple work, and it was the highlight of her week. She was a faithful servant and did her very best to endure to the end. 

Grannee is survived by her children Matthew, Laura (Steven) Nielsen, Dyann (Jay) Turner, Paul (Tamee), Juan (Jennifer), Edward Fillerup-Whiteeagle, and her brother Gordon (Susan) Jones, 25 or so grandchildren, 25 or so great-grandchildren, and at least 6 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Dennis Valenzuela, sons Mark Valenzuela and Walter Fillerup, her parents Francis and Gwen Jones, her sisters Norma Dee Ryan and Margaret “Peggy” Walker, her brothers Paul F. Jones and Kumen H. Jones. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 6th at 1:00 PM at the Rosecrest Ward Building, 3101 South 2300 East, Millcreek, Utah 84109. A viewing will be held on Thursday, September 5th from 6:00-8:00 PM at Memorial Lake Hills Mortuary and Cemetery, 10055 South State Street, Sandy, Utah 84070 and prior to services at the church on Friday from 12:00-12:45 PM. Interment will be at Memorial Lake Hills Mortuary and Cemetery. 

We invite anyone who has a Grannee afghan to bring it to the funeral service “for all the world to see.” 

 For those unable to attend the service will be live-streamed. 

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