Nanette Jessop Coonrad, a Kenilworth resident known for her stained-glass artistry and adventurous spirit, died July 10, 2026, from the effects of Alzheimer's. The 78-year-old woman was an accomplished artist, scuba diver, and hang-glider whose life was marked by both creative pursuits and a deep love for the outdoors.
Artistic Legacy in Utah Arts Scene
According to announcements from Mitchell Funeral Home, Coonrod passed away peacefully at her home. She was a prominent figure in the local arts community, having earned a degree in Art and later pursuing further studies in Italy.
Coonrod utilized her passion for glass to establish and operate "Classy Glass," a stained-glass gallery located in Helper, Utah. Beyond her own business, she dedicated much of her time to teaching others the intricacies of the medium, helping to foster new talent among future artists.
Entrepreneurship and Culinary Talents
Her artistic contributions extend throughout the state, with her glasswork currently displayed in various businesses, homes, and churches across Utah. This work remains a lasting testament to her skill and dedication to the craft.
In addition to her professional life as an artist and business owner, Coonrod was also a skilled chef. She owned and operated a catering company alongside several close friends from Emery County, blending her culinary talents with her entrepreneurial spirit.
Adventurous Spirit and Global Travels
Coonrod's life was characterized by a pursuit of high-altitude and deep-sea adventures. She was initially fascinated by the sensation of flight, which led her to take up hang-gliding. She frequently spent weekends at the Point of the Mountain, exploring the skies until a rough landing prompted her to transition from the air to the ocean.
Following this shift, she became a certified scuba diver. Her underwater explorations took her across the globe to locations including Belize, Cozumel, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, and the Florida Keys, as well as Catalina. She also frequently explored various lakes throughout the United States.
Outdoor Pursuits and Character
A dedicated sportswoman, Coonrod enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout the country. She often accompanied her beloved dogs on these excursions and was noted for her skill in the field, frequently outshooting her male counterparts during hunting trips.
Her family described her as a woman of immense grace, noting that she "added class to whatever she did."
Family Members and Survivors
Coonrod was a longtime resident of Kenilworth and was married to her husband, Melvin A. Coonrod II, for over sixty years. She is survived by her son, Michael A. Coonrod, and his wife, Whitney N. Coonrod, as well as four grandchildren: Dominic, Konlee, Atticus, and Madoc of Price, Utah.
She also leaves behind her sisters, Jolene Bushell and Cindy Adams, both of Ogden, Utah; sister-in-law Ann Meyer of Lake Oswego, Oregon; and brothers-in-law Nathan Coonrod of Nampa, Idaho, and Ralph Welsh of Georgetown, Connecticut. Her extended family includes a large number of nieces and nephews, including Robb, Gary, Jamiee, Char, Tom, Jenny, Leslie, Sara, Kendall, Sydney, Regan, Scott, Todd, Russell, and Heather.
Final Arrangements and Gratitude
Coonrod was preceded in death by her parents, George B. and Phyllis A. Jessop; her parents-in-law, Melvin A. and Madge D. Coonrod; her brother-in-law, Donald Adams; and her sister-in-law, Jane Welsh.
The family expressed gratitude to the staff at Good Life Senior Living and Memory Care, Symbii Home Health and Hospice, and Dr. Doug Larsen and his staff for their support during her illness.
Per Coonrod's specific wishes, no formal services will be held at this time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington.
