Sally Jo Winebrenner

Sally Jo Winebrenner passed through the veil February 1, 2024, from complications resulting from a brain aneurysm.

Sally Jo was born March 1, 1936 to Harry and Ruth Hopkins. She was the oldest of 5 children and was raised in Pittsford and East Rochester, NY. She graduated from East Rochester High School in 1954. Sally Jo loved being as involved as she could. She sang in both the school and church choirs and absolutely loved music. She was on the yearbook and dance committees where her decorating talents surely took root. Sally Jo was artsy but also very athletic. She played baseball, volleyball and basketball. After high school Sally Jo briefly attended New Paltz State University of New York.

Sally Jo met her Bobby when they were in the same kindergarten class. They were good friends and “ran around” in the same circles. After high school they dated, got married and began a legendary life together.

Shortly after their first baby was born, Bob and Sally Jo were converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their lives were changed forever. They were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple 2 years later, and began their life of devotion and service. Sally Jo served in almost every calling in the church including President of both the Young Women and Relief Society organizations on the ward and stake level. She loved teaching and testifying of Jesus Christ and did so her entire life. They were called by President Gordon B. Hinckley to serve in the first Temple Presidency in Palmyra, NY; dedicated in April 2000. Her life of service extended into her community where she volunteered as a literacy aid, helping promote the love of reading to elementary school students. Her desire to counsel and help young, unwed mothers led to her passion and work at Focus Pregnancy. She poured life and light into everything and everyone she encountered.

Sally Jo and Bob worked together, side by side in everything they did. Their business in historic restoration and design took them from coast to coast and to their beloved island of Nantucket. Their passion for creating beauty blessed the lives of everyone around them.

Sally Jo was known not only for her many gifts and talents but as a vivacious lover of people and connection. She was the quintessential hostess and was always the life of the party. She was an anchor and a lifeline and was recently described as “a force to be reckoned with, but possessing the compassion of an angel.” What a perfect illustration.

Sally Jo is now reunited with her beloved husband of nearly 62 years, Robert Bruce Winebrenner. She is survived by her children: Leslie (Kim) Nelson, Polly Wood, Drew (Cheri) Winebrenner, Spring (Nathan) Jackson, and Courtney (Will) Snowden. She’s Grammie to 29, and great Grammie to 27…and counting. She leaves behind many extended family members and a treasury of dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 9, 2024 at the Riverside Ward Chapel, 3511 North 180 East, Provo, Utah. The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will follow at Timpanogos Memorial Gardens, 1000 North 400 East, Orem, Utah. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bergmortuary.com.

You are invited to attend the service LIVE:
http://riversideward.com