Jennifer Watts Hansen Bawden 74, a Native Arizonan passed away Monday July 22, 2024 in Gilbert, Az.
Jennifer was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Jennifer was a lovely lady with a cheerful nature. She was very involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren.
She loved to laugh and she brought great joy to all who knew her. Jennifer was a writer, artist, scriptorian, and homemaker. She loved doing family history work and attending the temple.
Despite living with type 1 diabetes for over 60 years, Jennifer was eternally optimistic and relied on her faith in Jesus Christ.
Jennifer will be eternally loved by her husband Jay, and their four children Holly (Scott), Dax (Leslie), Adam (Lisa), Nathan (Alison) and 20 grandchildren.
Jennifer is survived by her loving husband Reece and his wonderful children and grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Monday July 29, at 10:00am with visitation at 9:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Citrus Heights Stake Center located at 2549 N. 32nd St. Mesa, Az 85213. For those unable to attend in person, the service is viewable here: https://zoom.us/j/97412995560
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
My sweet Aunt Jennifer was my birthday twin & had such a contagious laugh. She will be missed tremendously! My love & prayers go out to my cousins, and all of their family members grieving at this.
Love,
Elizabeth
As her cousin I didn’t see her very much during her life but I always enjoyed Aunt Marion Uncle Andy and their 3 beautiful daughters
Lynda and myself are truly saddened by the news of Jennifer’s passing. Jennifer and I have always enjoyed wishing each other “Happy Birthday” as we were born on the same exact day. She along with all the Watt’s sisters have always been very close and are more like siblings than cousins. We always had a blast when visiting each others homes when we were young going and buying penny candy and ice cream. This trend continues throughout our lives where their families were very close by always getting together and having a big shindig. We were always shown love and special affection whether we were together or just visiting over the telephone. We will miss the sweet little redhead that always shared the love of my favorite Beach Boys. The last time we went to visit, Jennifer stopped us at the front door and said just a minute!! I have something special for you. All of a sudden we heard a loud Beach Boy song and out of the front door came Jennifer dancing the surf dance that we always danced to when we were teens.
I have so many wonderful memories of my many times staying with them during the summer working for Uncle Andy and always partying at the swimming pool or going to do something really special!!
I could go on and on!! Jennifer I will miss you and look forward to meeting you again in heaven for another big party!!
Love you gal!!
Gordy
Dear Holly, Dax,Adam and Nathan,
I’m so sorry to hear about your wonderful Mother . I have so many fun memories of our family party’s and Christmas Dinners and just family time together. My prayers are with you and your family.
Love Aunt Lynda.
My condolences to the family. I work for Dr Marc Pospisil, Jennifer was always so nice to me, I truly enjoyed seeing and talking to her everytime she came to the office. I will miss seeing her!
Sincerely,
Yolvi Lever
There’s so many things to say about my friend Jennifer! She was always so fun to be around and made you always enjoy your time with her. Even with the struggles she had with her health through the years she was a tower of strength to all of us who loved her. Our amazing little Hillcrest group of sisters has a bond personally that cannot be described. We stay together through thick and thin through the years, no matter where we are living now, full of love and prayers for each other. Sending my thoughts and prayers to the whole family at this time. So thankful for the plan of salvation and eternal families. She will desperately be missed With that giggle and love she Has for her family and all of her friends. Her testimony was exemplary of the love of God.
Sweet cousin Jennifer! I am so sorry to hear of your passing away! While we lived miles apart and didn’t get to see each other often, I fondly remember and cherish each time you would come to visit in Utah….. always hoping you could stay longer! Your birthday and Gordy’s were on the same day and mine was 9 days later. Always fun to have cousins the same age! My love and prayers to your family as they go through this difficult time. When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. May these happy memories carry your family through this sorrowful time! Your loving cousin, Lynda
We remember Jennifer for her radiant smile, contagious laugh, and strong spirit and testimony that brightened our lives and the world with her presence. While we know there was a happy reunion in heaven with Jay and others eagerly awaiting her arrival, we send our condolences to Reece and all her family left behind to go on without her. May God bless you with happy memories and the assurance that she will always be near.
May God’s open arms surround you and all of ouur family who have now surrounded you on the Heavenly side, and may he bless your’s on this earthly side. Love Forever David and Angela Holbrook
Dear Holly & Family, This has been a complete surprise for us and we are so sorry for the loss of your Mother/grandmother & our lunch bunch Jennifer ( special friend) she will be sorely missed. I’ve been reflecting on recent changes in your lives and I feel the Lord has been truly mindful of everyone of you, your such a great family and are loved by us all. May the Lord continue to give you strength and surround you with his love and peace always. We are here if needed. All our Love LaMar & Ann Riding xxx
We are so thankful for Jay, Jennifer, Holly, Dax, Adam, and Nathan and the whole Hansen Family!!! All the fun times at the ranch!! Jennifer is and always will be known as the “Boogie Aunt!”
She was always wanting to have fun when all the cousins were around!! Her Christ-like example emulated wherever she went.
She is well-loved by many and will be missed!!
Were thankful for our Heavenly Father’s Plan of Salvation and Eternal Families!!
Love,
Jared, Daniele, Dane, Chase, and Carsen
My sincere condolences to the family. Jennifer was such a lovely lady, always optimistic and full of enthusiasm. I was so fortunate to have known her as her Endocrinologist for over 2 decades. Jennifer was the one of the first individulas to embrace technology in managing her Diabetes She was stubborn at times but would talk me into coming into an agreement at the end of the visit. I still cannot forget that infectious smile. She is going to be missed dearly.
Condolences to your family.
I met Jennifer at a Relief Society function. I had picked up refreshments and could find nowhere to sit. I was ready to walk out the door when she grabbed me and invited me to sit with she and her daughters. I had never met her, but she made me feel welcome and talked to me as if I were an old friend. So did her daughters. From then on she was always so happy to see me. I felt Loved and cared for in her presence. I realized she was the kind of person who made everyone feel like her best friend. It was an incredibly unique gift that she shared with me.
Jennifer I will miss you. Condolences to your family.
With love,
Sara Smith
Jennifer was one of the kindest people I have ever known. She always greeted me with a big smile and warm, caring words. She was a creative talent as an artist and writer. She lived her life with gratitude and faith. I will sincerely miss her!