Esther Marie Jensen

Esther Marie Dougan Jensen (97) died on February 13, 2006 in Orem, Utah of causes incident to age. She was born September 1, 1908, in Ogden, Utah, to James Dougan and Margaret Martin Dougan, and was the fourth of seven children. When she was a young child, the family moved to Idaho, and she has lived in Menan most of her life since then. She graduated from Menan Elementary, Midway High School, Ricks College, and Brigham Young University. She taught school in Jefferson county for 29 years in Menan, Grant, Lewisville, Midway, and Roberts. Esther had a lifelong commitment to education and learning. She was gifted with an extraordinary memory, and she could recite long poems by the hour— some of which she had not seen nor even thought about for decades. One of her hobbies was to write topical poems especially tailored for special occasions in the community or in the church. While she was teaching at Menan Elementary, a young man, Kenneth Niels Jensen, came to teach there, and they were married on November 26, 1932. They were the parents of three children, LaRie Helen, Gordon Kay, and Donald Niels. In 1992 they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. She was an active member of the L.D.S. church, and has served as a Sunday School teacher, Primary teacher, Mutual teacher, and as a counselor in Primary and Relief Society presidencies. She is survived by her sons Gordon (Elna) Jensen of Mapleton, Utah, and Don (Janet) Jensen of Rexburg; 13 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and 11 step-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, her daughter, LaRie, her parents, three brothers, and three sisters. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 18, at 1:00 p.m. at the Menan Stake Center (698 North 3600 East) with Bishop Randy South of the Menan Third Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday, February 17, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby and again from 11:45-12:45 before the services at the church. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery.