Leslie Jill Bratton's Obituary
Leslie Jill Bratton of Bountiful passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on March 2, 2026.
Born on January 9, 1956, in Long Beach to Leslie Dexter Vaughn and Dolores Gmehle Vaughn, Jill grew up in a home filled with music. Her father sang in a barbershop quartet, and her mother played the piano and organ, and together they nurtured Jill’s gift for singing. She developed a beautiful voice and loved sharing her talent with others throughout her life.
Jill graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach in 1974 and then married James Ronald Hess, her high school sweetheart. They shared three sons and, although they eventually divorced, they maintained a meaningful bond that continued throughout her life. Jill later married Gregory Bratton, with whom she shared one son. As a mom to four boys, Jill was full of life, energy, and love. Being their mother was her greatest joy. She filled their lives with laughter, adventure, warmth, and unwavering support.
Jill was also an incredibly hard worker. Throughout her life she held many jobs and poured her whole heart into each one. Her coworkers appreciated her dedication, her positivity, and the genuine friendliness she carried with her everywhere she went. Through her work, she met and kept many lifelong friends. Jill was a loyal friend in every sense — someone who showed up, listened, and cared deeply.
She spent most of her life in California. She loved the beach and being outside riding her bike and rollerblading. As most of her children moved to Utah, she followed to be close to them and was an added blessing in their lives.
Later in life, she faced numerous health challenges, including a devastating cancer diagnosis. Despite this, she remained courageous, compassionate, and resilient, continuing to share love and light with those around her.
Jill is survived by her four sons: Jesse James Hess (Lindsay), Jeffrey Brian Hess (Meri), Jeremy Shaun Hess (Erin-Leigh), and Joshua Gregory Bratton; her sister Judy “Sunshine” Harris (John); her brother Gary Vaughn (Sherri); as well as many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and one great-granddaughter. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Ronald Vauhhn (Bonnie).
Though our hearts ache, we are grateful for every moment we had with Jill. Her joy, her humor and her love will continue to guide us. She leaves behind memories that make us smile, stories we’ll tell for years, and a warmth that can never be replaced.
Funeral services will be held March 7th, at 10:30am at Mueller Park State Center (1800 Mueller Park Rd., Bountiful, UT 84010). Internment at Bountiful City Cemetery.
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