Mikaleen Giustina Jenks, 16, Marion, passed away unexpectedly at 6:32 pm on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati. She was born in Marion, Indiana, on Tuesday, November 10, 2009, to Beau Jenks and Riva Bove.
Mikaleen was a bright and unforgettable presence whose life, though much too short, left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She had a personality all her own and a way of bringing laughter, warmth, and love wherever she went. Mikaleen attended Marion High School where she was an adored Life Skills student, a charismatic unified basketball player, and even a member of the unified robotics team. Although, she was not officially a cheerleader for the Giants’, you could often find her with a pair of pom poms cheering for purple and gold. Mikaleen also spent her summers and evenings after school at Carey Services where she built strong relationships with her staff members and thoroughly enjoyed spending time each day at Carey Services. Mikaleen especially loved playing UNO and Matching, where her joyful spirit (and occasional cheating) always made the games more fun.
She was deeply loved by her family and cherished by her friends. Mikaleen enjoyed making connections with the people around her and had the natural ability to make others feel comfortable in her presence. She was never afraid to be herself, and people who knew her will remember her for her unique sense of humor, her loving heart, and the many little things that made her unmistakably Mikaleen. She was sure to ask everyone she met if she could give them a hug and if they had a dog.
Mikaleen’s favorite time was spent with her parents and siblings, who will love and miss her dearly, but will always keep her memory alive. Mikaleen is survived by her devoted and loving parents, Riva Bove and Beau Jenks; sister, Anelese Whitton; and brother, Dante Whitton. Survivors also include paternal grandmother, Sally Jenks; aunts and uncles: Carmino (Kathy) Bove, Sonia (Andy) Gottfried, Nadia (Ken) Sharp, Lora (Tracy) West; and cousins: Giuseppe (Kate) Gottfried, Vincenzo Gottfried, Rocco Gottfried, Eloisa Sharp, Ayden West, Rylan West, Declyn West, and Trace West. Also, her nephews and favorite dogs, Hercules and Bear. Mikaleen will be remembered by many other cherished friends and family who loved her very much.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Juistino and Elizabeth Bove; paternal grandfather, Richard Jenks;and brother, Richard Jenks.
Mikaleen never knew a stranger, and every person fortunate enough to cross her path felt the joy and love she so effortlessly shared. Mikaleen took saying goodbye very seriously, no matter the occasion. Often referred to as her “20 minute farewell tour” by her family, she made sure everyone was given a proper goodbye with a hug and kiss. Mikaleen’s life reminds us that the significance of a life is not measured by it’s length, but by the love and memories left behind. In just 16 years, she became an important part of so many lives. The memories she gave her family and friends will be treasured for years to come, and the love they have for her will never fade.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be directed to Marion High School Alumni Association, with the memo, “Mikaleen Jenks,” P.O. Box 448 Marion, IN 46952 or donate online <https://mhsalum.com/give-to-mhsaa/>
The family will receive visitors from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a Funeral Mass to celebrate Mikaleen’s life will begin at 1:00 pm with Father Michael Block officiating at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1031 W. Kem Rd. Marion, IN 46952.
Burial will take place at Grant Memorial Park.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Mikaleen Jenks, please visit our floral store.