Valera Mabel Jensen Pyper

Valera Mabel Jensen Pyper, age 88, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, in South Jordan, Utah, surrounded by her family. Valera was born on Easter Sunday, April 10, 1938, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Wendell and VonNeda Jensen. She grew up alongside her siblings Allen, Doris, Afton, James, and Paula. Her youngest sister, Lela, lived only a few days. Except for one year in Ogden, Utah, Valera spent her life in Salt Lake City, where she built a loving home and devoted herself to her family and faith.

Valera met George Edward Pyper at a young adult dance held at the Edgehill Ward building. Their courtship blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and they were married and eternally sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on November 6, 1959. Together they created a home centered on family, hard work, obedience, and service.

Over the course of seventeen years, George and Valera welcomed seven children into their family: Julie, Bruce, Janet, Ben, twins Karen and Shelly, and Brian. Their posterity eventually grew to include 29 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren. Valera loved seeing her family gathered together.

Before her marriage, Valera worked as a cosmetologist. Family members and neighbors were the grateful recipients of her haircuts and perms for many years. After becoming a mother, she devoted herself full-time to raising her children and caring for her home. When her children were raised, she worked at Beehive Clothing. Customers frequently sought her out because of her patience, kindness, and willingness to help them find exactly what they needed. She never rushed people and genuinely cared about those she served.

Valera was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. She served in many callings, particularly in the Primary and Relief Society organizations. When George's desire to serve a full-time mission became a reality, Valera faithfully stood by his side. Together they served an 18-month senior mission in the Michigan Lansing Mission from 2002 to 2003, an experience they treasured.

Sewing was one of Valera's lifelong loves. She was a gifted seamstress who made clothing for herself and her children. Quilting seeds had been planted in her as a young mother. Later, quilting became her passion. She spent countless hours quilting with her mother, aunts, Relief Society friends, and especially her sister Paula. Her remarkable ability to piece quilts together with precision and make every corner match perfectly was admired by all who knew her work. Many grandchildren looked forward to receiving a handmade quilt from Grandma as they began married life. Her quilts became treasured family heirlooms and lasting expressions of her love.

Valera continued quilting into her eighties. Surrounded by an extensive fabric collection gathered over decades, she found joy in creating beautiful quilts for family members, friends, and those in need. Each quilt reflected the same qualities that defined her life: patience, determination, attention to detail, and quiet generosity.

Valera will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her faith, and her sweet smile that lit up her eyes. Though naturally shy, she was caring, giving, and deeply devoted to the well-being of her family. She was determined, precise, and driven by a desire to do things properly. Whether she was sewing a dress, preparing a family meal, serving in the Church, or creating a quilt, she gave her full attention and best effort.

Her family fondly remembers the aroma of homemade bread fresh from the oven, her delicious fried chicken, and the effort she made to ensure birthdays and Christmases were special occasions.

Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the quilts she lovingly created, the meals she shared, the service she rendered, and the example of faithful discipleship she demonstrated throughout her life.

Valera was preceded in death by her husband, George Edward Pyper; her parents, Wendell and VonNeda Jensen; her brother Allen Jensen; her sisters Doris Sudweeks, Afton Leatham, and Lela Jensen; and numerous beloved family members who welcomed her home.

She is survived by her children Julie Shumway; Bruce (Carolee) Pyper; Janet (Craig) Wampler; Ben (Donna) Pyper; Karen (Jeff) Anderson; Shelly (Sean) Biggs; and Brian (Megan) Pyper; 29 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; her brother James (Donna) Jensen; her sister Paula (Wendell) Carter; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Pacifica Senior Living, Carrington Court, Aspire Hospice, and the many caring neighbors and friends who lovingly assisted Valera during her final years. Your kindness and service were a blessing to her and to our family.

A viewing and visitation will be held Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. at the Edgehill Ward, located at 1750 S. 1500 E. Salt Lake City, UT. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Edgehill Ward, 1750 S. 1500 E. Salt Lake City, UT, with a viewing from 10:00-10:40 a.m. Interment to follow at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT