Irene K. Jenkins

Irene K. Jenkins, 74, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away on Thursday morning September 23, 2021 in Afton, Wy.  

 Irene was the third of six children born to loving parents Arwith (Dick) and Venna Kennington in Fairview, Wy on August 22, 1947. Irene grew up in Fairview and attended Star Valley High School, graduating in 1965.  Irene had various jobs over the years, but her favorite thing was waiting tables.  She was always social and loved all the friends and customers she served.  Irene married her high school sweetheart, Dallas Jenkins, on July 21, 1972 and he became the father of a wonderful baby girl, Lisa.  They moved to Jackson where he started his career with the Wyoming Game and Fish. Shortly afterwards, they moved to Big Piney where they made their home for 21 years.  During this time, Irene and Dallas added to their family a daughter, Teresa, in 1975 and a son, Chance, in 1984.  During her years in Big Piney, Irene made so many lifelong friends that she considered family.  She was the life of the party and everyone loved to visit her to drink coffee, tell stories, and partake in her amazing baked goodies that she always had on hand to share.  In 1993, Irene and Dallas packed up and moved back to Star Valley where Dallas was promoted to warden and Chance continued elementary school.   Irene was so happy to be back in the place where she grew up and to be around all of her brothers, sisters, and extended family again.  As Chance moved through school, her biggest joy was to watch him play sports.  It didn’t matter where it was, Irene was there and cheering him on.  They never missed a football or basketball game or wrestling tournament.  After Chance graduated, Irene didn’t miss a beat and continued to follow the Star Valley Braves sports but also added the Pinedale Wrangler football, soccer, and volleyball games that her grandkids play.  Irene was definitely their biggest fan!   

  Irene is survived by her three children-Lisa Carpenter of Texas, Teresa Sandner (Justin) of Pinedale, Wy and Chance (Alicia) Jenkins of Evanston, Wy.  She also has seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  Irene’s surviving  brothers Kevan Kennington, Garry Kennington,  and Jim Kennington along with sisters Melanie Taylor and Karen Perry. She is preceded in death by her husband Dallas and her parents Arwith and Venna.