Ronald M. Jensen

Ronald M. Jensen, 82 of Basalt passed away October 23, 2012 at EIRMC in Idaho Falls, Idaho surrounded by his loving family.

Ronald was born September 23, 1930 in Basalt, Idaho to Mary Ellen Singleton Jensen and Rulon M Jensen. His father passed away in 1930. Ronald went to grade school in Basalt and was valedictorian of the 8

th

grade. Ronald graduated from Firth High School where he played football, basketball, and softball, as well as being involved in the Ag program.

As a young man he worked hard to earn a little money to help his mother. He thinned and hoed sugar beets, worked in the hay, harvested grain, and picked potatoes. Ronald served honorably in the Navy as an aviation mechanic. After his honorable discharge, he came home and married the love of his life, who was also his first date, Naida Johnson; in the Idaho Falls temple on June 19, 1951.

In the first years of his married life, not only was he a farmer/rancher, but he was also a contract milk hauler for Challenge Creamery in Idaho Falls. Up until the day he passed he fulfilled his dream of working alongside his family on the farm and ranch. He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Ronald served in many callings such as: dance instructor, Young Men’s President, Sunday school teacher, High Priest Group Leader, and Bishop. In the little spare time that he had, he served the community as a school board member for 12 years, and 6 years on the Snake River valley irrigation district.

Ronald is survived by his beautiful loving wife of 62 years, his sister Verda Daw, 5 daughters, Ronda (Donald) Hansen, Cindy (David) Telford, Gwen (Kim) Leavitt, Laurie (Bryce) Jolley, Konnie (Brian) Crezee, one son Drew (Nollene) Jensen, and 24 Grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Thaine and Merle Jensen, as well as his sister Venice.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday October 27, 2012 at the Firth Stake Center (823 North 675 East) in Basalt, Idaho. The family will receive friends on Friday October 26, 2012 from 6:30 till 8:30 pm at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley, and Saturday morning from 10:00 till 10:45 A.M. at the church. Interment will be in the Basalt Cemetery with military rites by the David B. Bleak Post #93 assisted by the Idaho Honor Guard.