Jennifer Hovinga

On June 20, 2013, Jennifer Topham Hovinga, 39, lost her life and was embraced by her Grandma Topham in heaven after a dauntless journey with breast cancer at home in Glenwood. Jennifer was born in Cedar City on April 16, 1974 to Les and Colleen Heap Topham.

Jennifer was my wife of 18 years, my best friend, the perfect mother of our two children, and a gifted teacher.

Jennifer graduated from Richfield High School in 1992 and continued her education at Utah State University. Jennifer earned two Bachelor of Science degrees in 1996 (Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education). In 2008, Jennifer earned her Master’s of Education degree from Southern Utah University. Jennifer and I married on March 18, 1995 in Richfield, the year before we graduated college. Jennifer started teaching school immediately and taught in Box Elder (Park Valley Elementary, Grades K-3), Daggett (Manila Elementary, Grades 4 ^th and 5 ^th ), Garfield (Panguitch Elementary, Grades Kindergarten and 2 ^nd ), and Sevier School District (Ashman Elementary, Grades 1 ^st and 2 ^nd and Pahvant Elementary, 4 ^th Grade). She was a gifted educator and enjoyed her career. Her highlight was being able to teach her son Mason in 1 ^st and 4 ^th Grades.

Jennifer’s greatest reward in her life was being mom to Anna and Mason. Jennifer loved reading with Anna when she was little and they loved playing pretend. Mason loved cooking with his mom and Jennifer enjoyed playing with blocks and cars with Mason.

Jennifer loved reading and instilled that love in our kids and many kids she taught through the years. She acquired a library of books until the Kindle came into her life where she has worn out two and was on her third.

Jennifer loved our family vacations and she was always planning our next one. She created countless experiences and memories for our family. Jennifer’s sisters were truly her best friends in life and she cherished their time they spent together. Jennifer and her sisters were close and enjoyed an annual "sister trip" every year, 2013 would have been their 20 ^th consecutive trip.

Jennifer raised and prepared two great kids, Annalee Jurene Hovinga and Mason Allen Hovinga.

Jennifer is survived by her husband Wade Hovinga and their two children, Anna and Mason; her parents, Les and Colleen Topham, Richfield; her brother, Matthew (Tori) Topham, Cedar City; and her three sisters, Camille (Curtis) Ogden, Riverton; Lacie Topham, Pleasant Grove, and Allison Topham, Pleasant Grove; her father- and mother-in-law, Leo and Jurene Hovinga, Glenwood; and her brother-in-law, Brad (Stacy) Hovinga, Lander, Wyoming.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her grandparents, Alma and Norma Topham, Allen and Utahna Heap.

Jennifer wanted me to thank her oncology care at Utah Cancer Services, Dr. Nathan Rich, Nancy, Jayme, and Collette. You became like family to us and made this journey bearable. My family thanks you.

Besides cutting her long hair, giving up her career was the hardest obstacle she faced. Amee Roundy was Jennifer’s angel through this journey. Amee could see what Jennifer needed, and selflessly just did it. Thank you Amee for what you have done for my family, you are a true friend.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 24, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the Glenwood LDS Ward Chapel. Friends may call at the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield on Sunday evening from 6 to 8, there will be no public viewing on Monday. Burial will be in the Glenwood Cemetery. Funeral Directors, Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.