Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend, Jean (Gilpin) Peppinger, 97, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, after a long and courageously fought battle with Alzheimer’s dementia.
Jean was born on April 9, 1928, in Rawlins, Wyoming, to Alice Rachel Bell and William John Gilpin. She grew up in Rock Springs, WY where her natural love of academics and athletics quickly became clear. A Thespian, cheerleader, and member of the National Honor Society, she excelled in every opportunity she embraced. After graduating from Rock Springs High in 1946, she attended the University of Nebraska on scholarship, earning her degree in Mathematics and English Education in 1950.
A lifelong member of the First Baptist Church, Jean lived her faith through service, kindness, and quiet strength.
On May 16, 1954, she married the love of her life, George Peppinger, shortly after his return from service in Korea. Jean began her teaching career in Wyoming before the family moved to Utah in 1961 for George’s work with Mountain Fuel. She continued teaching mathematics at Bonneville Junior High until her retirement in 1981. Jean was deeply respected by her students and colleagues for the discipline, focus, and encouragement she brought to the classroom-often helping students discover an unexpected love for math.
Jean lived a life full of energy and curiosity. She and George enjoyed traveling, entertaining family and friends, golfing, bowling, gardening, cooking, dancing and music of every kind. She served in the PTA, as a Girl Scout troop leader and was a long-time member of the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) promoting and supporting education through scholarships, grants, awards and loans to deserving women from all walks of life.
All those years ago, Jean knew that serving her family and community would keep her happy and healthy and it did. In 1985 she began volunteering at St. Marks Hospital serving many different areas for nearly 30 years. She was recognized and loved for her unwavering support. In 2005 Jean was honored through receiving St. Mark’s First Humanitarian Award Volunteer Recipient for “Outstanding Humanitarian Spirit of Caring and Concern to Patients and the Community”. In 2012 she was honored for her 9000 hours of service. Jean’s volunteer service was recognized by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, by AARP Volunteer Recognition as an Outstanding Utah Volunteer and by Salt Lake County Aging Services for dedication to their Retired and Senior Volunteer Program for Excellent and Valuable Community Service.
Above all, Jean loved her family. Jean put family first! Holidays, family traditions and just always being there for everyone was her way. Her warmth, steadiness, and devotion left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her.
Jean and George were proud and loyal Utes fans from the moment they arrived in Utah -supporting football, basketball, and gymnastics long before the Crimson Club existed, and becoming founding members in 1983. GO UTES!
She was preceded in death by her husband George, her parents, her brothers Jack Gilpin and Bill Gilpin and grandson Jason Butler.
Jean is survived by her daughters Karen (Kenley) Nalder of Utah and Gina (David) Husted of Texas; her grandchildren Staci (widow of Jason Butler), Jennifer (Wade) Parkinson, Callie (Duane) Fullmer, Nicholas (Kristen) Husted, Ryan (Jamie) Husted, and Zachary (Kat) Husted; 16 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren; 4 nephews and 2 nieces.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 4:00 until 6:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance located on the north side of the building.
Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Valeo Hospice team and the Sagewood Memory Care staff for the love, compassion, and dignity you gave to Jean. Words cannot begin to express our appreciation.
