Haines, Oregon
Josephine J. “Jo” Jensen, 88, of Haines, died June 28, 2004, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
Her graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Mount Hope Cemetery. Private visitations will be until 8 o’clock tonight at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel. Friends are invited to join the family for a potluck reception at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 2005 Valley Ave., after the service.
She was born on March 2, 1916, at Denbigh, McHenry County, N.D., to Phillip Edward De Shaw and Jennie Janet Pritchett. She was the eldest of 5 children.
She married Norman O. Jensen on August 5, 1941, at Weiser, Idaho. They lived for several years on the family homestead at Pleasant Valley. In 1959, they purchased the home ranch behind Haines in the Muddy Creek area. They both lived there until their death.
Josephine was known for her participation in many civic organizations and community activities. She drove the school bus for the Baker School District for 17 years. She was passionately active in the Haines Rodeo Association, a lifetime member of the Baker County Posse and numerous other organizations.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Phillip Edward De Shaw Jr., and a sister Florence Francis.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Pamella and Steve Russell of Hermiston; granddaughter Naval Petty Officer 2nd Class Kristina A. Koontz, currently serving in the Persian Gulf area; grandson, Eric R. Koontz of Redmond; brother and sister-in-law, Eugene and Mildred De Shaw of Baker City; sister, Loretta Summeralls of Idaho; and eight nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Association or to the charity of one’s choice through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, P.O.Box 726 , Baker City, Or. 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, July 2, 2004
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor