It is with deep sorrow and love that we announce the passing of Val Jo Sansevero, who left us peacefully on May 2, 2025, in South Jordan, Utah, at the age of 75 with her daughter Nikkole Maria Weber by her side.
Jo, as she was affectionately known by family and friends, was born on June 24, 1949, in the small town of Emery, Utah, to Paul and Pauline Hess. She was lovingly raised in a close-knit community by her grandparents, Edgar and Myrtle Sorensen, whose influence helped shape her deep sense of family and strong personal values. During her final two years of high school, Jo moved to San Francisco to live with her mother, Pauline Sorensen Hess, and graduated from George Washington High School. She later pursued higher education in Memphis, Tennessee, where she lived with her father, Paul Hess, and his family.
It was in Memphis that fate introduced Jo to the love of her life, Louis John Sansevero, a proud U.S. Marine. They met at the USO, shared an evening of dances, and began a love story marked by immediate connection and lifelong devotion. Their enduring partnership was built on deep love, mutual respect, and unwavering commitment.
A trailblazer in every sense, Jo built a successful career in a male-dominated industry. She began as a Materials Clerk for Stanford Applied Engineering (SAE) and, through dedication and determination, rose through the ranks to become a fearless entrepreneur. She co-founded Phoenix Interconnect, which would later evolve into J-Tech. At a time when few women held such roles, Jo led with vision, grit, and grace. Her pioneering spirit, sharp intellect, and tenacity opened doors not only for herself but also for others who were inspired by her courage and independence. Her success eventually afforded her and Lou the opportunity to retire early and explore new adventures together.
Jo had a refined palate and an adventurous spirit, which fueled her passion for both fine cuisine and world travel. She approached every meal with curiosity and joy—always willing to try something new and often falling in love with the flavors of distant lands. Together, she and Lou traveled extensively, visiting Ireland, Monaco, Germany, Finland, Colombia, Sweden, Russia, France, Estonia, Malta, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Greece, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark, Taiwan, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. These journeys enriched her life and broadened her worldview, deepening her appreciation for culture, people, and tradition.
At home, Jo surrounded herself with beauty and meaning. She was a proud collector of Delft Blue pottery, a reflection of her heritage and artistic eye. She had a deep affection for Gone with the Wind, collecting memorabilia that resonated with her love for stories of resilience and strength—qualities she exemplified in her own life. Jo was a lifelong lover of the written word. An avid reader of all genres, her curiosity and imagination knew no bounds. Whether it was a well-worn paperback, a literary classic, or the latest release on her Kindle, books were a constant and cherished presence in her life. It wasn’t uncommon to find a tall stack of novels beside her favorite chair—testament to a mind always seeking new stories and knowledge.
Jo was also a vibrant member of her community. She was active in church and civic life, a proud member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, and served one term on the Ferron City Council. She and Lou participated in the American Legion and enjoyed golf outings with her women’s league—not for trophies, but for the time shared with friends. Evenings often ended with rounds of Chicken Foot played among dear friends, laughter echoing through their home.
After Lou’s passing in 2023, Jo spent her final years at Copper Creek Memory Care Facility. The compassion and care she received there were extraordinary, and she quickly became a familiar, welcoming face in the hallways. Always ready with a smile, she greeted visitors and fellow residents alike with warmth and kindness.
Above all, Jo loved her family with fierce devotion. She was endlessly generous, deeply loyal, and unwavering in her support of those she cherished. Her love was a constant anchor—a safe harbor for all who knew her. Her absence will be felt profoundly, and her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched.
Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Hess and Pauline Sorensen Hess, her beloved husband, Louis John Sansevero, and her brother, Mark Hess. She is lovingly remembered and survived by her sisters, Cheri Hess Brooks and Lydia Hess, brother Taylor Hess; her children, Nikkole Maria Weber (Steve Weber) and Vito Louis Sansevero (Mabel Sansevero); and her cherished grandchildren: Zachary Steven Weber, Ysabelle Nikkole Weber, Katherine Mary Weber, Rebecca Pauline Weber, Anastasia Josephine Sansevero, and Louis Vito Sansevero.
Funeral service, Saturday, May 17, 2025, 11:00 a.m., Blue Hills Ward Chapel (35 West 200 North- Ferron, Utah). Family will receive friends at the church Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday morning from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to service. Interment will follow in the Emery Town Cemetery in Emery, Utah. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Huntington and Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net