Jenefer “Jeni” June Mitchell, 44, of Idaho Falls, passed away on June 20, 2026, in a tragic car accident near Ririe, Idaho.

Jenefer was born Jenefer June Ogren on February 15, 1982, to Teresa Bretz Ogren and Bill Ogren. She grew up in Idaho Falls. She was funny, quick-witted, loyal, and one of the most authentic people you could ever meet. She loved hard, laughed loud, and had a gift of making people feel seen and accepted. Jenefer wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, but behind her honesty was a heart that genuinely cared. She believed in people, often before they believed in themselves, and that is one of the many reasons she will be missed by so many.

Nothing brought Jenefer more pride or joy than being Jace’s mom. Jace Ryan Mitchell was born in 2000, and from that day forward he was her entire world. As a single mother, she worked hard to make sure he had every opportunity possible. If Jace wanted to play a sport, she found a way to make it happen. She coached his teams, cheered from the sidelines, and showed up for the things that mattered to him, no matter what. She was his biggest supporter, his safe place, and the person he could always count on. Of all the things Jenefer accomplished in her life, being Jace’s mom was the one she treasured most. She loved him fiercely, believed in him completely, and never stopped being proud of the man he has become.

Jenefer’s love didn’t stop with Jace. Over the years, she became a second mom to many of his friends. Her home was always open, her fridge was always fair game, and there was always room for one more kid. She welcomed them in, looked out for them, and made sure they knew they belonged. She also loved spending time with her nieces and nephews and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on. In true Jenefer fashion, she didn’t just show up for her own family, she showed up for everyone else’s kids too.

Jenefer knew struggle and pain and went through many hardships in her life. On October 1, 2017, she began her courageous journey in recovery from addiction and everyday since, Jenefer chose life and she lived it to the fullest. Jenefer was a shining example of what is possible when we surrender. She built her life from rock bottom and made sure that nobody was left behind. She was humble, kind, honest, resilient, compassionate, authentic, inspiring and nonjudgmental, and used her pain for a purpose that changed countless lives. The impact she made in the recovery community is impossible to measure. Since her passing, hundreds of people have shared stories about the impact she had on their lives. She answered phone calls, gave rides, sat with people through difficult times, and reminded them they were capable of more than they believed. If someone needed help, Jenefer showed up, even when she wasn’t asked. She was a champion for those finding their way.

Jenefer would say she didn’t want a mortgage because she wanted to play softball, and she meant it. Softball wasn’t just a hobby, it was part of who she was. She spent years traveling all over the country playing tournaments, collecting tattoos to represent her trips, and taking adventures with her friends. She played with numerous local teams and could always be counted on to sub in for other teams. The softball community wasn’t just a community to Jenefer. It was family. She showed up for them in every way and encouraged so many people to get out of their comfort zones and play. She also organized Sober Softball, giving people a safe space to play the game and make new connections.

For the last eight years, Jenefer worked as a server at IHOP, where she built lasting friendships with coworkers and customers. Her energy was contagious.

Outside of everything else, Jenefer loved rock concerts, working out, tattoos, sweets, peanut butter cookies, spoonfuls of peanut butter and frosting, Rockstars, sunsets, the moon, the ocean, and her Denver Broncos. She was a die-hard Broncos fan who never missed an opportunity to talk a little smack to anyone who was cheering for another team. Many swear words could be heard watching football with Jenefer and her family. She recently started Women’s Flag Football beside her sister, and they coached youth flag football together. She fiercely protected her afternoon naps.

If you knew Jenefer, you knew her dog, Mia. They went everywhere together. Mia was her sidekick and best friend. In a heartbreaking but fitting way, Mia was with Jenefer when she passed. If there is any comfort to be found, it is knowing they never had to be apart.

Jenefer is survived by her son, Jace Ryan Mitchell of Boise, Idaho; her sister, Jenesa Sasinouski, and brother-in-law, Jody Sasinouski, of Shelley, Idaho; her grandmother, Sandy Marquess of Idaho Falls, Idaho; her nieces, Devenee Sasinouski and Kenzie Ogren; her nephews, Tyven and Paxten Sasinouski; her aunt, Debe Bretz; Uncles Glenn and Alan Ogren; cousins, Zack and Nick Mahan; Sandy Bailey; Dustin Ogren; her best friends, Amber White, Michelle Mahan, and Jennifer Callier; and countless friends who loved her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Teresa Bretz Ogren and Bill Ogren; her brother, Jereme Ogren; her grandparents, Jim Bretz, Elton and Joyce Ogren; and many loved ones who welcomed her home.

The memories being shared since Jenefer’s passing all tell the same story. She mattered. She showed up. She believed in people. She loved fiercely.

One of Jenefer’s favorite tattoos read, “NO MATTER WHAT.”

No matter what, she kept going.

No matter what, she kept showing up.

No matter what, she kept putting in the work.

The greatest legacy Jenefer leaves behind isn’t what she accomplished, it’s the hundreds of people who are living better lives because she believed in them.

In honor of Jenefer, show up for someone. Buy the fundraiser ticket. Tell the people you love them. Eat the peanut butter cookie. Drink the Rockstar. And when life gives you the chance for an adventure, ask yourself the question Jenefer probably would have asked: “Cause why not ya bums?”

A viewing will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2026, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. A Celebration of Life will be held with refreshments from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 2026, at The Brickyard Event Center, 1025 S. Ammon Road.