With broken hearts, we share the unexpected loss of Jill Kaye Chamberlain, who left us too soon at the age of 59. Jill passed away at her home on Monday, May 18. Better known as Mom, Auntie Jill, Jilly Bean, Nana, and Sis, Jill’s sudden departure has left an unimaginable void in the hearts of those who loved and cherished her.
Jill was born on Aug. 13, 1965, to Jan and Bob, and she was raised in Kemmerer. Her fondest childhood memories were of time spent at the family ranch, always surrounded by siblings and cousins with whom she shared many joyful adventures.
Jill graduated from Kemmerer High School in 1983 and pursued further education in Dallas, Texas. After completing post-secondary education, Jill returned to Kemmerer, where she met and married Vance Chamberlain. Together, they welcomed their son, Cody, followed by their daughter, Falon, completing the family that would become Jill’s greatest joy.
She cherished outdoor activities; mostly fishing, hunting and camping with family and friends at LaBarge Creek, always making time to visit Watch Me Grow. Time spent with loved ones and creating lasting memories was her favorite pastime.
Jill shared her many talents by organizing, volunteering and participating in a wide range of community programs, events and activities. Her efforts brought people together, encouraged meaningful engagement and created lasting, positive change in the lives of others. Her compassion, humor and generous spirit left a lasting impact on everyone she touched.
Following her divorce, Jill embarked on a courageous new chapter in life, marked by determination and faith in the unknown. Taking a leap of faith, she accepted a temporary position at the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls, leaving behind her family, close friends and the familiar comfort of home. With no certainty of long-term employment, she and her children courageously moved to an unfamiliar city.
Through her work ethic, reliability, and remarkable talent, Jill quickly proved to be an invaluable asset and was soon offered a permanent role. Always driven by excellence and purpose, her dedication led to several promotions as she advanced in her career.
During her professional journey, Jill found deeper meaning through volunteering, especially during the holidays, providing essential support to families in need. Her selfless efforts evolved into an annual family tradition, one that brought her own family closer together and helped countless others along the way.
Shortly after moving to Idaho, Jill met Dex Covert, who would become her devoted partner and long-time companion.
Together, they built a life full of adventure, shared goals, and more than 20 years of unwavering support, joy and cherished memories.
Jill’s life was filled with purpose. She would always be the first to drop everything and help someone, no matter the need. Whether it was gardening, cooking, baking, crafting, decorating, writing or event planning, Jill was the go-to person for everything and anything. Her boundless creativity knew no limits, and you could always count on her to make things happen.
Above all, Jill was a deeply devoted mother to Cody and Falon, her greatest pride and joy. She poured her heart into being a grandmother, embracing Dex’s granddaughters and Falon’s stepchildren as her own. But it was becoming “Nana” to her sweet granddaughter, Murphy, that brought Jill one of her deepest, purest joys. Their bond was something truly special, full of laughter, light, and unconditional love. Jill was over the moon with excitement about the upcoming arrival of Falon’s twins, eagerly anticipating their arrival and dreaming about the love and memories she would create with them.
Later in life, Jill shifted her career to one that allowed her to devote more time to the people who meant the world to her, her children and grandchildren. Her role at The Bank of Commerce brought her a renewed sense of purpose, where she formed meaningful relationships with both clients and colleagues. She was deeply dedicated to her work and found fulfillment in being of service to others.
Jill gave of herself endlessly, always ready to help anyone in need without hesitation or expectation. Her boundless compassion, vibrant spirit, and creative soul left a mark on everyone she met. Jill’s legacy of love, generosity, and quiet strength will live on in the countless lives she touched. She was a truly remarkable woman who is deeply missed, forever cherished, and never forgotten.
Jill is survived by her beloved children, Cody Chamberlain and Falon (Levi) Corrigan; her devoted partner, Dex Covert; her loving sister, Marie Rogers; her half-brother, David Smith; her stepbrother, Robert Gagliardi; and her stepfather, Robert Gagliardi. She was preceded in death by her parents, Janette Gagliardi and Bob Pardew.
A service will be held on Saturday, May 31, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N Ridge Avenue, Idaho Falls, Ido, followed by a luncheon at Rise, 502 2nd St, Idaho Falls, Idaho.
A celebration of life will be held on July 11 in Kemmerer, with more details to follow. Please join us in honoring Jill’s love of life by wearing bright, vibrant colors. Spring and summer were her favorite seasons, and she would have loved to see a celebration filled with color, warmth and joy.
