"My sister?s and I grew up with the ?White girls? babysitting us. We have awesome memories of Don and Lola and the girls. They both met Rita with open arms!! Rita fought a great fight for years. Dickinson Girls"
In loving memory of
Rita Jo Jensen
May 28, 1942 - July 20, 2024
Rita Jo Jensen, age 82, of Ames, Iowa died on July 20, 2024, at Green Hills Health Care in Ames, Iowa. A gathering of friends and family will be 4-6:00 p.m. August 12, 2024, at Gilbert Lutheran Church, 135 School Street, Gilbert with a memorial service at 6:00 p.m.at the Church. The burial will take place at Gilbert Cemetery.
Rita was born on May 28, 1942, in Nevada, Iowa, the daughter of Donald K and Lola A. (Davisson) White. She graduated from Nevada High School in 1961. She married Fred Jensen on January 8, 1966, in Colo, Iowa. She and her husband farmed in the Gilbert area, where she was a salesperson for Crow's Seed Company. She was a member of the Moose Auxiliary of Ames, Elks Auxiliary of Ames, and the Gilbert Lutheran Church. Rita and Fred enjoyed golfing at The Oaks in Ames and in Texas where they wintered in McAllen at Adobe Wells.
Rita is survived by her husband, Fred Jensen, daughter, Angie Jensen, her son Kevin (Emily) Jensen, and her grandchildren, Allison, and Samantha Fennewald, Leo, Miles, and Tula Jensen. Three sisters, Judy (Charlie) Ververs, Dianna (Ron) Haley, and Linda (Jim) Piper.
In lieu of flowers the family would ask that memorials be directed to Gilbert Lutheran Church, Gilbert, Iowa.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"Oh my dear sweet and love of life....friend Rita....How I so much loved out times together at Bickford. Your spunk, laughter and infectious smile remains in my Heart forever. You captured my heart at our first encounter. I was sorry to tell you the day I retired because it had bothered you so, but I did promise to visit you again...which I did when I returned back to work a few months later. We caught up as if yesterday was today. I will forever remember you.......your laughter I will again, hear. My love to the family. "
"From Linda, Dianna & Judy, A Tribute to our Sister:
Growing up with Rita was an adventure filled with laughter, mischief and unconditional love. She was our leader, instructor and closest friend. She was talented athletically and taught us many things. As we bid farewell to Rita, let us carry forward the love and laughter she brought to our lives. She will always be with us in spirit and in our hearts. Let us cherish each moment and hold tight to the bonds of family. Love forever, until we meet again, Dianna, Linda & Judy"
"I am Rita?s sister and visited her when she was at Bickford Cottage and we had fun for over 2 1/2 years, she hated not remembering our mom & Dad and other people and places! I pushed her through that with photos for her room! Then moved to Green Hills and they gave her fantastic care, and our visits sometimes left me crying. Rita, taught me how to golf, gave me tips on bowling and even taught me to like margaritas?boy we mastered that didn?t we!? My big sister boss and lucky to live near her so she would call and tell me she was drive over?if that?s okay! Of course!! We had so many great days and some very sad days! We were lucky-the 4 of us to grow up close on the farm, ride the bus together and run or walk down our long lane to the bus! And all those times dad would say okay ?who did it!?? And told us to line up!! I would tell Judy?Just tell him you did it!! Love Love Love our togetherness?not everyone got along as well as we 4 did!! Miss you today, tomorrow, until we meet again big Sis!! ??? I?m positive you are with Mom & Dad and you remembered them at the gate to heaven! "
"Rita was the best oldest sister of my 3 sisters! She looked after each one of us; but, she was the boss...haha. Like Judy said she was great at sports including pool. Rita really was a great artist as well. Growing up I can remember Sat. nites having a treat of popcorn and as we walked into a room with our bowl, Rita loved trying to scare us--popcorn & bowl flying; and boy did we laugh, we had so many good times. We will always remember, but she's with our Lord now; a better place where she's at peace. Linda"
"As a Sister, my Tribute to Rita: I respected and admired Rita as my Sister. She was our Boss and Leader, but she was a softy. In high school, she was a "star" basketball player. In golf, she could hit the ball a mile and score well - in bowling she was outstanding . She could do anything. I was so proud of her. I know she is in a very good place now and she is at peace. Praying for our entire family as we "push thru" this sad occasion. Judy"