JOY A JENSEN Obituary (1948

Joy Jensen passed peacefully on June 5, 2016, in Kalispell, Montana, after a long illness. Joy was born on November 17, 1948, in Colville, Washington, the daughter of George and Helen Jensen. Joy was an avid lover of football, the San Francisco 49ers being her favorite team. She loved to do word finds, puzzles, and was an amazing picture taker. Other interests included sewing, gardening, spending time with her grandkids and taking particular joy in decorating for Christmas. She also spent many hours with her best friends: Rose, Blanche, Dorothy and Sophia, you may know them as the Golden Girls. The many hours spent watching this show even converted the grandkids into fans. Joy lived in Washington for many years, but moved to Troy, Montana, in the early 1990's. She loved the scenery and trees though disliked driving in the snow. She raised her sons, Rob and Joe, in this little town that she called home. She worked for years at the Club Bar in Troy and made many lifelong friends. She moved to Elko, Nevada, for a few years to be near her children and to watch her grandkids grow, play sports, learn music and rodeo. Recently, she moved back to Libby to be with her sister Robyn. Living her remaining months enjoying her company and spending time with Robyn's grandkids, Molly and Mason. While some found themselves on the wrong end of her cantankerous side, if you broke through her rough surface you were rewarded with loyalty, friendship and care. Though her life was rarely easy, she never complained. Leaving a legacy of strength, hard work, pride and determination to her children. Joy is survived by her children: Robin Taylor (Jeff) of Herriman, Utah; Robert Cantrell (Sabreena) of Spring Creek, Nevada; Joseph Jensen (Audra) of Portland, Oregon; grandkids Darin, Devon, Robert, Erika, Hailey, Shilo, Reese, Jenna, Tanner, and Matthew, and numerous brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Joy is preceded in death by her mother, Helen; her father, George; her brother, Tom; and her son, Darin. May they all rest in peace. A service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at 4:00 pm at Schnackenberg Funeral Home, 422 West Second Street, Libby, Montana. A reception will follow at Roosevelt Park at 6:00 pm in Troy, Montana. Each spring while working at the Club, Joy put forth an incredible effort to organize a benefit and gather donations for a memorial scholarship. To that end, in lieu of flowers, an account is being set up at the First Montana Bank, 600 E. Missoula Avenue, Troy, Montana, to create a memorial scholarship in her name. She has touched the lives of so many people and even though she is gone, her memory will live on in all of our hearts forever. The family wishes to thank all of those who have expressed their condolences and have made Joy's life a celebration. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memorials may be made at www.schnackenbergfh.com.