Jody Wood Tennant

Jody Wood Tennant of Farmington, Utah, peacefully passed from this life on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Merrill James and Odessa Allred Wood on September 20, 1943, she was the oldest of six children, one boy and five girls. Jody graduated from the University of Utah and was accepted into a prestigious Physical Therapy program in California. After thoughtful prayer and reflection, she felt a sacred impression to choose a different path—marrying Max Brent Tennant in the Salt Lake Temple on August 25, 1967, where they were sealed for time and all eternity. Their marriage endured for nearly fifty years before Brent passed away on June 17, 2017.

Together they raised seven children (five boys and two girls) in Farmington, Utah, where she lived for more than fifty years. Our mother was a faithful and diligent servant of the Lord and willingly served in many capacities in the church and community—counselor in the Farmington Stake Relief Society Presidency, Relief Society President, Motherhood Education teacher, Sunday School teacher, Cub Scout and Webelos leader, PTA volunteer, room mother, and volunteer for Primary Children’s Hospital. Mom treasured spending time with her family—her children, grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, and extended family—and made each one feel valued and loved.

Mom’s life of compassion and service echoed that of her great‑great‑grandmother and namesake, Josephine Catherine Chatterly Wood, affectionately known as “Aunt Jody.” A midwife in Blanding and Bluff, Utah, in the late 19th century, Aunt Jody was known to stay with the families she helped for days or even weeks, tending their homes while mothers recovered from childbirth. In much the same way, our mother embodied that heritage of quiet strength and care—always at the side of those in need, comforting a friend, serving in her ward, or nurturing her family. In her later years, she became the devoted caregiver for our dad, Sam, and Holly, tenderly attending to each of them before they passed on. She believed the best way to influence others was to follow the Savior’s example of selfless service, and she lived that belief every day.

Mom was also blessed with many talents. She was an accomplished pianist and loved playing hymns in Relief Society while her daughter Holly led the music. She was a beautiful seamstress, and quilting became one of her greatest joys. Countless cherished memories were created around quilting. Mom was also an excellent cook and opened her home often to family, youth, and friends for warm meals and delicious desserts—her apple pie is legendary.

Mom will always be remembered for her loving kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith.

She is survived by five of her seven children and their spouses, twenty grandchildren, and two great‑grandchildren: Heather & (Brent Nielsen)—Dallin & (Melissa Coffin), Ryan, Elizabeth, Mary & Jacob; Joseph & (Stephanie)—Hyrum, Madeline, and Merrill; Jared & (Marianne)—James and Anna; Samuel (deceased)—Raquel and Ashlyn; Holly (deceased); Aaron & (Emily)—Alayna & (Ashton Ellsworth), Jace and Brianna; Seth—Haley, Kaitlyn & (Jace Romney), Jacob, Abigail, and Alyssa. Her great‑grandchildren are Lennon and Wells Romney.

A viewing and life celebration will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Farmington Rock Chapel, 272 N. Main Street, Farmington, Utah.