Russell Henry Jensen, a 93-year-old resident of Burley, died Tuesday, April 10, 2007, at his home. He was born April 19, 1913, in Newton, Utah, the son of William Fredrick and Martha Olive Beck Jensen. He received his education in Utah, graduating from Logan High School. He married Rose Mary Barnett in June of 1936, in Logan. Together, they had two sons, Warren and Graydon. They resided in Boise and Twin Falls, prior to moving to Burley. Rose passed away in Nov. of 1980. Russell later married Bonnie Grace Gurr on June 11, 1982, in Rupert. Joining their union were Graces two children, Leslie Warwood and Lori Warwood. They lived in Burley, where they have spent nearly 25 years together. While in high school, Russell worked for Texaco. Following marriage, he worked for Kress Department Store in Boise, prior to joining the M. H. King Company in Burley, where he worked as a buyer for more than 60 years. Russell was always willing to serve others. He accomplished this in many ways. He served for 15 years with the Selective Service System and was also involved with the Idaho Volunteer Reserves. He enjoyed membership of the Toastmasters and the Knife & Fork Club, but was especially proud for being a 65-year member of the Lions Club, having been the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. Russell was taught at a young age to value the responsibility of hard work. Thus, his life was always known to be work, work, work! He also enjoyed other hobbies that included golfing, snow skiing, hunting and fishing. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Survivors include his wife, Grace Jensen of Burley; his two sons, Warren (Janice) Jensen of Boise, and Graydon Jensen of Burley; his two stepchildren, Leslie Warwood and Lori Warwood both of Salt Lake City, Utah; one sister, Martha Conley of Torrance, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Melvina Jensen of Boise; and four grandchildren, Jay (Carolyn) Jensen, Kirk Jensen, Mark (Kristen) Jensen and Brent (Heather) Jensen all of Boise. In addition to his first wife, Rose, he was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and two sisters. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2007, at the Burley 2nd, 4th & 10th Ward Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 515 E. 16th St., with Bishop Brent I. Lee officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday at Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., Burley, and from 10 until 10:40 a.m. Saturday at the church. In leiu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to macular degeneration research.


Published in the Idaho Statesman on 4/12/2007.