Jennifer Kay Luff

Jennifer Kay Luff (Smith), age 61, passed away on July 3, 2024, in the presence of loved ones. Born on December 13, 1962, in Evanston, Illinois, Jennifer was the cherished daughter of Lauramae Smith (Whited) and the late Arthur Edward Smith. She is survived by her mother Lauramae, stepmother Cecilla Foxley, husband Andrew Luff, daughters Madison and Kelsey, brothers Eric and Alex, and sister Stacy Firth, along with her nieces and nephews.

Jennifer's early years were marked by a love for education and gymnastics. She excelled academically in Evanston and spent memorable summers at Lake McBride, Iowa, where her adventurous spirit shone through swimming across the lake from a young age. She pursued her passion for learning at the University of Illinois, earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics and computer science. Jennifer's journey led her to Southern Utah, where she spent her first summer working on a live ranch herding cattle and taking care of the land. While proving to be difficult due to no electricity or water, she grew to love it. Later she embarked on a rewarding career as a high school math teacher at Davis High School.

On April 2, 1988, Jennifer married Andrew Luff in Salt Lake City. Together, they welcomed their daughters Madison and Kelsey into the world. Andrew's career path later led the family to Mansfield, Texas where they established roots over 22 years.

Jennifer was known for her love of sports, particularly the Chicago Cubs and Bears, and was an avid softball player well into her thirties. She also found joy in music, singing, and serving her community through church activities, notably contributing to the Audio-Visual team. Her true passion, however, lay in teaching. From working in the classroom to assisting professionals with new software and then ultimately tutoring adolescents for SAT/ACT. This is where she truly left her mark.

Jennifer will be fondly remembered for her infectious smile, outgoing personality, and dedication to education. Jennifer’s presence in our lives will be deeply missed, but her spirit and impact will remain with us in the memories of those she loved and inspired.