Ilene Jensen

Ilene Jensen, our loving mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away on Saturday, March 15th at the age of 77.

Ilene was born on June 14th, 1947 in Salina, Utah to Rignel and Twyla Jensen. She was a daddy’s girl (she never thought twice about climbing up on a barstool next to her dad at the Tip Top) and kept Twyla on her toes - undoubtedly causing a few early gray hairs. With her four siblings, Ilene embraced her role as the middle child and the resident rebel, but as different as they all were, they shared a deep love for one another. That love carried through the years, and their closeness remained a gift to her throughout her life. After graduating from Gunnison High School, Ilene moved to Salt Lake City to attend LDS Business school, where she met Sheila and Jolene, friendships that would span a lifetime. It was during this time, she met and married John Walk (later divorced). They had two children, Kristy and Marty. Ilene loved being their mother more than anything in life - until she became a grandmother.

Ilene later married Larry Shepherd (also divorced) and spent many years in Southern California. She built a career in the insurance industry and was one of the lucky few who truly loved going to work every day. Ilene had a gift for connecting with people — she could make a friend out of anyone — and she took great joy in answering phones and helping others.

She later married Doug Westenskow (also divorced). In both marriages, she embraced the role of stepmother. She cared deeply for her stepchildren — Kristen and Shaun (with Larry), and Kelly, Shad, Kevin, PJ, Wesley, and Crystal (with Doug) and always hoped her presence made a lasting impact in their lives.

Ilene’s favorite role in life was that of Grandma. She got immense joy out of watching her three grandsons grow into the men that they are today. Her playful nature, mischievous humor, and endless love made time spent with Grandma something they will always cherish.

Ilene was funny, quick-witted, and a wonderful conversationalist. She was strong yet incredibly tender-hearted. She lived life on her own terms and was, always and unapologetically, Ilene.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Martin J. Walk, her parents, Rignel and Twyla Jensen, and her brother, R.Lynn Jensen. She is survived by her daughter, Kristy Bailey; grandsons, Parker and Spencer Bailey and Isaac Walk; and her siblings, Bette Jean Christenson, Kathryn Dunkin, and Wayne Jensen, nieces and nephews, and her best friend Sparky.

A viewing will be held Thursday, March 20th at 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at the Gunnison Stake Center in Gunnison, Utah. Online condolences at rasmussenmortuary.com

The family extends our sincere appreciation to Dr. Jensen and the nurses and staff at Gunnison Valley Hospital for the compassionate care they provided Ilene over the years. And in true Ilene fashion, we’d be remiss if we didn’t also thank Janie McClellan and Heather Hill for not only for keeping her hair and nails just the way she liked - beautiful - but for the kindness they showed her with every visit. Ilene always believed a lady should look her best, and thanks to them, she did.

To Watch Funeral Service Live, Click Here. The Live Zoom Link will Activate at 11:45am MST prior to services.