Jennie Lee Hemmert (1936-2025)

Devoted completely to her eternal companion, Don Hemmert, and dedicated to the comfort of her family and friends, Jennie Lee Hemmert, 88, of Liberty, Idaho peacefully passed away at the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital in Montpelier, Idaho on Friday, June 20, 2025.

She was born in Laketown, Utah on August 26, 1936, to Phoebe Maud and George Washington Earley. Jennie was born the middle of three children, and while a child, she discovered joy in music.   Daily, Jennie played songs on her aunt's piano by ear, and later, with hints from her Aunt, she taught herself how to read music. Around 13 years of age, she served as the church organist for the Laketown Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Jennie also learned and played the trumpet in her high school band.

Just before graduating from North Rich High School in 1954, Jennie met a young Korean War Veteran named Don Hemmert when visiting a mutual friend. At first, his attention went unnoticed, but eventually Don's persistence resulted in the couple's marriage on April 22, 1955, in Laketown, Utah.  Together, they made a new home in St. Charles, Idaho where daughter Deborah Lee was born on January 23, 1956, followed by daughter, Shellie on April 3, 1957.  Moving to accommodate Don's job, they settled in Liberty, ID.  Jennie served as a stay at home mom while Don worked at and later purchased Liberty Lumber with partner Dewain Passey.  With their two little girls, Don and Jennie were sealed eternally in the Logan Temple on July 16, 1958. Son, Dan William entered the family on December 13, 1962, and Diana, the youngest, followed on August 30, 1968. Over the years, Don and Jennie also voluntarily raised two additional children through the LDS Indian Placement Program.

Jennie served the Liberty Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in multiple ways.  Building on what she learned as a young ward organist, Jennie continued as Liberty Ward Organist through her early 70's. She also accompanied the ward choir, the Liberty Ward Sextette, a group of singing ladies, and her children's vocal renditions for years. Jennie served in both the Liberty Ward and the Paris, Idaho Stake Primary Presidencies, and she was called as Relief Society President twice, the second time while in her 70's.  Perhaps, her most selfless act of service came as support for her husband, Don, who served in the Liberty Ward Bishopric for a total of 14 years.

Humor, creativity and commitment were Jennie's mantra in life. Jennie loved to laugh, and the comedic skits performed with close friend Ruth Wallentine are legendary.  Naturally creative, she was an accomplished seamstress, a gifted musician, and a talented artist. She shared these abilities with any who wanted to learn.  Finally, meticulous care and commitment were reflected in her work as the primary caretaker of the Liberty Ward Chapel and later as full-time custodian of regional church buildings for over 30 years.

Jennie will be remembered for her tireless service as a caregiver to her spouse and family as well as her total devotion to Don, her best friend.  She is survived by daughter, Deborah and husband Jay Sleight of Richmond, Utah, daughter, Shellie and husband Doug Thompson of Georgetown, ID, son, Dan William and wife Linda Hemmert of Liberty, ID, and daughter, Diana and husband Jeff Hanke of Neola, UT.  She also has 17 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren with an additional one expected in September.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Don Hemmert, parents, George and Phoebe Earley; brother, LaMar Jones Earley; sister, Donna Smith and brother-in-law, Alfred Smith; brother, Robert Earley, and sister-in-law, Renee Thornock Earley, and great granddaughter, Carly Wells.

Viewing and funeral Services will be held at the Liberty Ward Church on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 10:00 - 11:45 AM with the funeral scheduled at 12:00 PM.  Interment will be in the Liberty Cemetery.