Jenifer Lynn Ivie

Jenifer’s obituary

What happens when the person that has been writing the family Obituaries for decades dies? Who’s gonna pen the Dreaded Obit now? Because it’s been made quite clear through the years that no one in my family wants this daunting task, I’ll do it One. More. Time. I’ll write my Obituary myself. Oh, how blessed I am to record my final reflections on my life!

Whelp. I’m dead. Born July 23, 1970 in Santa Ana, California, Jenifer Lynn Price Ivie finally kicked it on January 19, 2023. (I mean, I gotta delegate SOMETHING, and figure y’all can fill in the factual bits I leave behind.)

Speaking of “Leaving Behind”, *sigh* the Love of My Life, Kevin Scott Ivie, married me November 2, 1996 at Atascadero Bible Church, CA. Kevin embraced my strengths, accentuating them beyond my natural ability, and firmly held me through my weaknesses. Whew! I bet you’re tired, Baby Cakes! I would scold you to relax and take a rest, but thank Goodness you don’t have to deal with me hen-pecking you anymore! You finished strong, Kevin, and our family has benefited greatly by your godliness, and your marriage legacy is that Mom Wanted for Nothing.

I was beyond blessed with Sweet Babies! Kassarah Rose Gudmunson made me a mom, and Kimberlyn Rose Ivie made our little family complete. When Kass married Kyle Gudmunson, I received my first son which somehow was the piece of the puzzle we never knew was missing. Kassarah made me a better woman by highlighting the best parts of my personality, always challenging me to be my best self; whereas I would pulverize any given situation, Kassarah rocked it solidly and always blew my mind! Kimber brought joy to my life with her fascinating perspective; I am blessed to have the rare opportunity to see the world through both sides of the glass. KimKim always gives a 4D depth where I would’ve only seen flat voids. She changed my world perspective, and I would be deflated without her. Open Gigi’s Brag Book: Adeline Rose & Rush Andrew. What a sweet treat! They make my life sparkle and make my world shine.

Growing up in Tustin, California, and college at San Diego State University, I was a beach girl through and through. I could lay in the sand all day, letting the sun warm me to the bone, then jumping in cool salt water. The ocean is where I feel God. The depth. The breadth. The continuing tide. The Infinite. I love cruising the Caribbean because I gaze day and night at endless possibilities that aren’t random or unknown; God actually has every drop under his control beyond all my imagination. Not a frightening abyss, the ocean is a completely organized complexity. Insert: silent amazement and reverence.

I did a little this and that during my life. Those interested in details can read my Resume: a trite list on a single sheet of paper. As far as I’m concerned, I was a wife and mom and gigi and daughter and sister and aunt and friend. No titles; just a chick who loved people. When it comes down to this, My Final Resume, none of those “things” are important enough to mention.

I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe in the Father. I believe in the Comforter — who has been the soothing balm that has calmed my restless and broken heart my whole life. I don’t know the location of whomever is reading these humble words right now, but I know exactly where I am! Right now. I am Here in the presence of Jesus Christ with my grandparents and those who have gone before me. Yeah, it’s kinda braggadocios, but you can join me here, too, by the Grace of God.

So many others remain; Mom, Dad, Lo, Nieces & Nephews, Friends. I extend God’s invitation to PLEASE join me at the River of the Water of Life (Revelation 22) that flows from the throne of God and the Lamb down the middle of the city’s center street. I’ll be the completely warmed through and through with the Glory of God, near the Tree of Life enjoying a fruit salad. Keep your fork, the best is yet to come!