Obituary

Evelyn Ruth (Bruns) Jenson
December 26, 1938--December 9, 2022 (age 83)

Evelyn Ruth Jenson was born December 26, 1938 at Marble Rock, Iowa to the parents of Richard and Mathilda Bruns. She passed quietly on December 9, 2022 with her family by her side.

Evelyn's early years were spent attending a country school and later graduating from Greene High School in 1956. Evelyn completed her post high school education at the University of Northern Iowa (formerly Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls, receiving her Social Science B.A. in 1960. She accepted a position teaching grade school in Gladbrook, Iowa, eventually returning to University of Northern Iowa and completing a Social Science M.A. in 1967, whereupon she taught at Marshalltown Community College.

Evelyn moved to Pendleton in 1971 and married Robert Jenson, the love of her life. She was employed with Umatilla County from 1971-1992 as a staff therapist, Director of County Day Treatment and Director of County Mental Health. From 1992-1995 she was Superintendent of Eastern Oregon State Psychiatric and Training Center. When her husband, Robert was elected district representative, she accompanied him to Salem serving with him from 1996-2015, serving as his office manager and legislative assistant, faithfully partnering with him in representing the constituents of Eastern Oregon.

Evelyn valued the opportunities her education had provided and committed in giving back to her community. From 1976-1985, she served on the Pendleton School Board and later participated in Pendleton's SMART program. She was passionate about education and mental health. Evelyn had a deep commitment to her faith. She has been a member of Peace Lutheran Church since moving to Pendleton. At her death she was serving on the Scholarship Committee and participated in the Bell Choir.

Evelyn adored her grandchildren, great grandchildren and children from her neighborhood and church. She was compassionate with animals and especially loved Giggles, her companion Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

From her family and the many friends that Evelyn made throughout her life she will be remembered for her religious faith, her piano playing and love of music, her love of gardening and especially tending her rose garden. She enjoyed baking and cooking and trying out new recipes with copious notes added enhancing the recipe. Her dessert bars and cookies were favorites any time of the year. Evelyn had an innate capacity for listening, engaging with others and making friends. She had an unlimited involvement in all aspects of her community, always reaching out giving of herself, whether sending a card for special occasions or a telephone call just to talk.

She was preceded by her parents Richard and Mathilda Bruns, her husband Robert Jenson, and grandson Joshua Jenson. She is survived by her sister; Deloris Benson of Greene, Iowa, step children; Robert (Delores) Jenson, Linda (Victor) Gehling, Charles (Patti) Jenson, Carol (Jim) Aldrich; 11 grandchildren; Kirk Jenson, Kris Jenson, Charles Cook, Crystal Burton, Douglas Aldrich, Jamie Thompson, Jody Deardorff, Jessica Mulvihill, David Aldrich, Annie McBee and Michael McBee; and 18 great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Peace Lutheran Church, Gideons International, Ronald McDonald House or PAWS.