Izetta Jensen joined her husband of 74+ years, Einer, on November 20, 2016, just 4 months to the day after he passed away in July. The memorial service for Einer had been held on November 12 and her world was not the same without him.
Izetta Ruth Jensen was born to Amos and Ruth Stephens on June 20, 1923. She was raised in Savage, Montana with 7 siblings, Estella, Boyd, Lyle, Eldon, Zona, Bonnie and Donald. Her plan to never marry a farmer was foiled when she met Einer Jensen (a farmer) at a dance when she was 19. They married shortly thereafter on February 21, 1942 and lived on the farm belonging to father-in-law Chris Jensen in the Brorson community. They lived there until 1948 welcoming sons Clyde (April 12, 1943) and Gordon (March 1, 1944). They bought a farm in the Girard community where daughter Nadine was born on April 24, 1950. Einer and Izetta became snowbirds to Apache Junction, AZ in 1976 and moved there full-time in 1994.
Izetta was a homemaker in every sense of the word. She never worked outside the home, but was extremely busy caring for her family as well as cooking, cleaning, canning, sewing, knitting/crocheting, decorating cakes for friends, milking cows, mowing hay, etc. In addition she and Einer were very involved in the community, 4-H, Pella Lutheran Church, Girard Homemakers, and later the Lost Dutchman park in Apache Junction, AZ. They often entertained and always had coffee and some wonderful baked goods available for sharing. They traveled in their motor home for quite a few years and visited friends and family and enjoyed fishing and golf along the way, an activity they started in 1983. She had a smile for everyone and liked to be involved and busy with family and friends.
Izetta leaves behind son Gordon (Auburn, WA), daughter Nadine Hawley (Spokane, (WA), daughter-in-law Barbara (Apache Junction, AZ), grandchildren Brenda Jensen Stoppell (Renton, WA), Threasa McClain (Belfair, WA), DeAnna Jensen Woolworth (Fort Collins, CO), Holly Larkee (Coolidge, AZ) and Michael Hawley (Spokane, WA) and 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild. She was preceded in death by parents and all of her siblings except for sister Bonnie, husband Einer, son Clyde, daughter-in-law Sharon, son-in-law John Hawley, grandson Gordon Jensen Jr., and great grandchild Rachel Beaner.
A private funeral service will be held in December at the Mountain View Funeral Home, Mesa, AZ. Memorial contributions may be made to your charity of choice.