Gwendolyn Fennell

Gwendolyn Edie Mackintosh Fennell, of Rupert, passed away peacefully at home on August 22, 2025, at the age of 90. Gwen was born March 13, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the second child and only daughter of Daniel James Mackintosh and Gwendolyn Matkin. Gwen grew up in the railroad town of Minidoka, where her dad was a locomotive engineer. She shared many fond memories of riding her favorite horse, Rex, in the desert surrounding her home and dreaming of one day becoming a cowgirl.

Gwen’s elementary years were spent in Minidoka’s two-room schoolhouse; she later attended and graduated from Rupert High School. It was there in her Algebra class that she met and tutored a fellow student, John Fennell, who seemed more interested in basketball than math. Though Gwen often said he never noticed her outside of Algebra, he obviously had more than math in mind, as they were ultimately married in 1952, after a year of courtship.

Over the next eleven years, John and Gwen were blessed with three sons and two daughters, who were all born and raised in Rupert. Their home was a place of love, learning, and laughter.

In the fall of 1963, Gwen began taking college courses, with the desire initially to become an elementary teacher. After seven years of school, and still being a very busy and involved mother, she graduated from ISU and began teaching Algebra and Geometry in the newly built East Minico Jr. High School. It gave her great satisfaction to help students understand—and even come to enjoy—subjects which were thought by some to be difficult. After 22 years of teaching, she retired to enjoy more time with her husband and her ever-growing family.

Gwen was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served faithfully. She lived a life filled with love and gratitude and often shared that her greatest treasures were her family and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Gwen is survived by her children: John (Terry) Fennell of Rupert; Cheri (Jerry) Emerick of Spanish Fork, Utah; Ron (Cheryl) Fennell of Utah, currently serving in the Harare Zimbabwe Mission; Sherma (Rick) Poteet of Rupert; and Rick (Cathy) Fennell of Ogden, Utah; 28 grandchildren, 86 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her younger brother Dean (Sandi) Mackintosh, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Gwen was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, John, her parents, older brother Dan Mackintosh, sister-in-law Wanda Mackintosh, and granddaughter Angela Fennell.

Services will be held Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Acequia 1st Ward Building 20403 5th St. Rupert, Idaho, with Bishop Cregg Poteet officiating. Viewing for family and friends will be held Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Hansen Mortuary, 710 6th Street, Rupert, Idaho, and from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Hansen Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary fund or a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank Horizon Hospice for their compassionate care.