Jill Smith Danley

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, surrounded by those who loved her. Jill Ann Bateman Smith Danley, 74, of Orem, Utah, was born on March 29, 1951, in Murray, Utah, to Earl Ray Bateman and Joy Player Bateman.

Jill grew up on a dairy farm in West Jordan, Utah, alongside her parents, her older brother Michael, and her younger sisters, Jolene and Cindy. Living next door to her Bateman grandparents, she enjoyed a childhood rich with cherished memories, close family bonds, and laughter with friends. She attended Bingham High School, where she was a Minerette, the yearbook editor, and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed.” With her bubbly personality and genuine kindness, Jill naturally drew people to her wherever she went.

After high school, Jill attended Brigham Young University and earned a degree in physical education with an emphasis in dance. Dance remained a lifelong passion, and she performed in many modern dance productions during her time at BYU. While in college, she met Jay Charles Smith of California. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on June 21, 1974, and together welcomed five children: Jayson, Jinjer, Peter and James (both delivered prematurely and did not survive), and John. Jill and Jay later divorced in 1982. Motherhood was Jill’s deepest joy, and she lovingly raised her three surviving children on her own. Years later, after her children were grown, she met the love of her life, Larry Danley. They were married in October 2007 and later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in 2008.

Dance shaped much of Jill’s life. After graduating from BYU, her first job was teaching dance at Bingham High School, where she remained until the birth of her first child in 1975. In her early years of motherhood, she continued sharing her talent by teaching dance to neighborhood children in the basement studio of the Orem Hale Center Theater. Her daughter Jinjer was among her young students—an experience both would treasure. Jill also taught dance and choreographed for theatrical productions at The Waterford School.

Following her divorce, Jill returned to full-time work and began a long and meaningful career at Utah Valley University, where she served for nearly 30 years. She started as an academic advisor over Veterans Affairs and several athletic departments and later became the Director of Recruiting to Student Affairs. Her work took her throughout Utah and around the world. She was deeply respected by colleagues and adored by the many students whose lives she touched.

Jill was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in her 30s and bravely battled the disease for more than four decades. Her positivity never wavered. Even in her later years, when she could no longer walk, she remained faithful, cheerful, and full of gratitude for life’s simple joys—visits with loved ones, a cold Dr Pepper, peanut M&M’s, and watching Baywatch on repeat.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jill served in many callings throughout her life. Most recently, she and Larry served together in their stake’s Family History Center, a calling they cherished as they helped others connect with their ancestors.

Jill is survived by her children: Jayson Charles Smith (Carin) of Virginia; Jinjer Smith Donaldson (Peter) of Draper; and John Preston Smith (Shannon) of Draper; her 13 grandchildren; her brother, Michael Bateman; her sisters, Jolene Tanner and Cindy Caldwell; and many beloved friends. She was preceded in death by her sons, Peter and James Smith; her parents, Joy and Ray; and her husband, Larry Danley.

We take comfort in knowing she is now joyfully reunited with her two sons, her husband, and other loved ones. We picture her free from physical limitations—walking, running, and dancing once again.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Wheeler-Sundberg Funeral Home, 495 S. State Street, Orem, Utah. A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11:00 a.m. Interment for family members will take place on December 23, 2025, at Camp Williams Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, in honor of Jill’s courageous, lifelong battle with the disease.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.

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