Jessica Lee Kelso Layton

Jessica Lee Kelso Layton, age 37, passed away on Aug. 12, 2026, in Nephi, Utah. She was born on Dec. 12, 1988, in Reno, Nevada, to Cheryl Ann Kelso and Arlan Lee Goudy. Jessica was orphaned at age seven after her mother died in a tragic automobile accident and her father was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease. She was lovingly adopted by her mother’s brother, Tony Kelso, and his wife, Heidi, who raised her as their own. Jessica instantly gained a sister to play Barbies with and two brothers who teased her endlessly. To Jessica, life felt like one long sleepover—until the day she asked, “When is my mommy coming to pick me up?”

Jessica was seriously injured in the accident that took her mother’s life. Though her broken bones eventually healed, her world was forever changed.

She attended Kindergarten and part of first grade at North Elementary School in Cedar City before the accident. She later attended Grandview Elementary School in Provo for a short time before her family returned to Mt. Pleasant.

Jessica loved children deeply. She could play with dolls and Barbies for hours and delighted in babysitting her cousins. She longed for the day she would become a mother.

During middle school, Jessica entered a phase where everything—and everyone—felt “embarrassing.” One unforgettable moment came during a 7th grade parent teacher conference, when she turned to her mother at the school entrance and said, “Try to act normal!”

In high school, Jessica became known simply as “Jess.” She loved the social side of school—dances, friends, and any chance to be out having fun. She graduated from North Sanpete High School in 2007. During those years she lost a dear friend, Colten Dyches, whose memory she cherished, keeping his picture on her fridge for many years. Jess earned her Young Womanhood Recognition award—thanks to patience and perhaps a little fudging from her leader, Chris Holman.

Jessica had a vibrant love for life and people. She adored taking pictures and capturing every moment, proudly displaying her photos wherever she could. Beautiful inside and out, she took great care in her appearance. She loved getting her hair done, buying nice clothes, and keeping her nails perfectly manicured. A natural cosmetologist, she attended the Paul Mitchell School of Hair Design.

One of Jessica’s greatest talents was shopping—she never passed up a boutique or a sale. She also loved true crime shows. Dateline was her favorite, and Forensic Files became a close second once she could stream entire seasons in just days.

In 2008, Jessica married Robby Layton. They had two beautiful sons together, Braedon and Ryker. Her children were her world. She adored them.

In 2016, Jessica was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease, the same cruel illness that had taken her father’s life. The diagnosis devastated her, and her life quickly spiraled. Although her marriage ended, the entire Layton family continued to love Jessica and make sure she remained a part of their lives.

Robby and Demri went to great lengths to include her in family events, even bringing her into their home at Christmas so she could watch her boys unwrap their presents. They included her in family pictures, birthday celebrations, and the many ordinary moments that meant so much. The boys understood, far too young, that their mother was no longer capable of caring for them, but there was one thing they never doubted: her love for them.

While attending counseling at Central Utah Mental Health, Jessica met a dear friend, Nathan Arters. Nathan cared for her lovingly for several years and remained a loyal friend until her passing.

Jessica spent the last five years of her life at Laurel Groves Assisted Living Center in Nephi, where Heather and the staff became her second family.

After 30 years of waiting, Jessica’s mommy finally came to pick her up. Her family rejoices that Jessica has gone home and is reunited with her parents and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. You can do this quite simply by visiting HDSA.org then donation page.