Marge Jenkins passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, at the age of 90. Born Marjorie Alden Smith on August 16, 1935, in Providence, Rhode Island, she was the middle child of Daniel Bertram Smith and Bernice Peck Smith, joining an older sister, Elaine (deceased), and a younger brother, Danny. Marge attended school in Seekonk, Massachusetts, where she was active in softball, cheerleading, and music. She began playing the piano in her teens, a talent she shared at school, church, and community functions throughout her life.

Marge married her high school sweetheart, Walter Bury, at the age of 21. While she worked as a legal secretary, Walter played minor league hockey. Their son, Doug, was born while they lived in Norton, Massachusetts. Tragically, Walter was diagnosed with cancer during Marge's pregnancy and passed away just three months after Doug's birth. Marge demonstrated great resilience, continuing to work while Doug was cared for by his grandparents.

A few years later, Marge met Karl Jenkins on a blind date. Karl, a Marine Corps veteran, was captivated by Marge and her young son. They were secretly married by a justice of the peace with neighbors as witnesses. The family soon moved to Kaneohe, Hawaii, for three years. It was there that they fell in love with a six-day-old infant in foster care; shortly after, Sherri became their adopted daughter, making history as the first Native Hawaiian child adopted by a white family.

The family’s journey continued to Fallbrook, California. When Karl served in Vietnam for 18 months, Marge raised the family on her own in a new town. Upon his return, they moved to Albany, Georgia, then Pownall Center, Vermont, before settling near Camden, New York, for 20 years. There, the family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Marge served faithfully in many callings, including as president of the Primary, Relief Society, and Young Women organizations. She also volunteered in elementary schools helping students read and accompanied the annual Little League "Minstrel Show" fundraiser on the piano.

Following Karl's retirement, they moved to Utah, splitting time between Meadow and St. George. Together they served missions in South Africa, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Hawaii, and Florida, and volunteered at national parks across the country. After Karl passed away on December 26, 2018, Marge moved to Spring Gardens in Mapleton, Utah. She remained active in her church and community, playing piano for sing-alongs and enjoying activities with friends and staff.

Marge was a woman who loved music, people, and adventure, as well as her family, her Savior, and His Church. She is survived by her son, Doug (Lynette Barnes); her daughter, Sherri (Don Henderson); 8 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Spring Gardens Assisted Living in Mapleton, UT, on January 23, 2026, at 2:00 pm. She will be interred next to Karl at the Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park (Camp Williams). Online condolences can be offered at www.olpinstevensfuneralhome.com.