Jolene Andersen Wilkes

Jolene Andersen Wilkes passed away at home in Washington, Utah, on March 27th, 2025 following a long fight with cancer. She was surrounded by friends and family. Jolene is survived by four beautiful and resilient children: Michael Carl Wilkes, Mathew Gary Wilkes, Jessica Jolene DeSilva, and Shannon Brooke Stokes. She was also the proud grandmother of 15 grandchildren: Savannah, Airsen, Donivon, Malakai, Skylee, Mailey, Levi, Tanner, Clair, Mattie, Roland, Ali, Evelyn, June, and Dylan.

Jolene was born on December 20th, 1960 to the late Margie Sharlene Brown Andersen George and Carl LeRoy Andersen. She was the second oldest of six siblings, and the only girl. Her brothers are Royce, Ryan, Rodney, Eric and Jeffrey.

Jolene was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah and graduated from Skyline High School in 1979. She was incredibly social, self-directed, talented, stubborn, competitive, and hard-working. She excelled in many roles, including as a waiter, shoe salesman, house cleaner, and Avon representative.

On July 3rd, 1989, Jolene married Richard Douglas Wilkes. Together, they settled in St. George, Utah and raised Mike, Matt, and Jessica. Rick passed away unexpectedly in 1992.

Despite the hardship of being a single mother, Jolene persevered and always made sure her children were provided for. She always sought to help others, and made new friends wherever she went.

Eventually, Jolene and Donald Paul Lindquist met in 1995. Together, they had Shannon and were together for 22 years before Donny passed away, following his own battle with cancer.

Jolene loved being in the mountains, playing cards, making dinner for others, and eating out. Some of her favorite restaurants were Red Lobster and Texas Roadhouse. She enjoyed music, including Classic Rock and Country. Each morning always began with a cup of coffee, the Price is Right and Soap Operas. Later in life, Jolene became an avid puzzler, proudly displaying them in her home.

Jolene faced many hardships in life, but she met them with tenacity. While she will be greatly missed, those closest to her take comfort in knowing she can finally rest. Her greatest hope in passing was that she would be reunited with the many loved ones who came before her, particularly her father, Carl. Her family’s greatest hope is that she has been reunited with them and will find peace and healing.

Jolene’s children would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the friends, neighbors, roommates (Alberto and Isaura) and hospice staff who worked so hard to help Jolene feel loved and comfortable.

Please join us in a celebration of her life on April 4th, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the LDS meeting house located on 600 E. Telegraph Street. Washington, Utah, 84780. Following this, immediate family members are welcome to join together to share memories and refreshments from 7:00-8:00 PM.

"Those that go searching for love only make manifest their own lovelessness, and the loveless never find love, only the loving find love, and they never have to seek for it."

-D.H. Lawrence