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Marlys Jensen Obituary
Marlys Elaine Jensen (Petterson)
Oct. 23, 1939 - May 19, 2011
She was born Oct. 23, 1939 in Bottineau, ND to Nels and Helga Petterson.
Marlys is survived by her loving husband Richard of 50 years, whom she married on November 26, 1960. She is also survived by her children, Kristine Campbell, Paul Jensen (Tiffany), and Steven Jensen (Kris); and her eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Andrew, Ashlie, Taylor, David, Mariah, Karlie and Alex. She also leaves behind her brother, Norman (Pat); sisters, Peggy and Bernice; and numerous nieces and nephews and uncountable friends.
Marlys was a proud 1957 graduate of Everett High School. She attended Western Washington University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She worked in the education field her entire life and retired from the Lakewood School District in 2000.
Marlys lived her life for others. After retiring, she volunteered for the Assistance League / Operation School Bell where she was the Historian for the organization. Marlys loved to scrap book every event that ever happened in her life. Her favorite joy in life was spending time at her home on Lake Ki with her friends, family and especially her grandchildren. One of Marlys' favorite times was Opening Day of fishing each year where she could share her home (and scrap books) with hundreds of people. (You will all still be "required" to sign the guest book!)
We would like to take this time to thank all our friends and family for their prayers and support.
A celebration of Marlys' life will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 4 p.m. at the Smokey Point Community Church, 17721 Smokey Point Blvd. Arlington, WA 98223.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Assistance League / Operation School Bell, 5107 Evergreen Way, Everett, WA 98203.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marlys Jensen
Bill Carey
May 15, 2025
You were always very nice and happy. And a pillar of our tight knit community, you are missed very much, all my love to your family and my condolences.
Joy L Losey
May 17, 2022
I still grieve for my dear friend...so many times I want to call her and share my news, feelings, and just laugh and cry with her. She was such a dear friend to me for many, many years.
Joy Losey
June 4, 2019
I still miss Marlys...everyday I want to call her and hear what is new in her life...such a loss.
Becky (Burden) Ferguson
June 8, 2011
To the Jensen Family,
I am saddened to hear of Maryls's passing. I hope the fond memories you have and the love she had for others will give you comfort in this time of sorrow. She was an inspiration to all who had the priviledge of crossing paths with her. She will be greatly missed...
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Dr Michael Breneman
June 1, 2011
I am so sorry that I did not know of her passing until today June 1st 2011. I will always consider her family to be an extended part of my family. She was a special person in my life and in so many others. She will be missed. I truly wish that I could have been with all who gathered in her honor! Dr Michael Breneman
Mike Coombs
June 1, 2011
Paul, Steve, Dick and Family: So sorry to hear of your loss. Marlys was so proud of all of you. My thoughts are with you and it is my sincere hope you all find comfort.
Evan Perez
May 31, 2011
Dick and Jensen family, Marlys will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with you.
Becki Erickson (Slaughter)
May 31, 2011
Dick and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jason Delestrez
May 31, 2011
Mr. Jensen and Family - Our hearts go out to you. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Jason & Cynthia (Lentz) Delestrez
Dave Kosnosky
May 30, 2011
My condolences to the Jensen family. I attended Lakewood schools with Kris & Paul and had both Mr & Mrs Jensen as teachers. They were both fantastic educators who truly cared about their students.
Catherine Preston
May 30, 2011
Dick and Family,
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences, in your time of sadness. Marlys was a kind and generous lady. She will be missed and remembered kindly by my whole family.
Regretfully, Catherine (Cardinal) Preston
Denis Schoonover
May 29, 2011
Dick, Kristine, Paul, Steve and Families,
I'm still in shock as I spoke with Marlys the afternoon before her passing to wake up the following morning to the bad news. She was truly one of a kind, loving, caring, with a great sense of humor. She will be truly missed especially at the future family gatherings. God bless you all from your cousins, Denis & Marti Schoonover
dennis alexander
May 29, 2011
dick & family ,your family is what makes lakewood such a great place to live . so sorry for your loss
Stan Lund
May 29, 2011
My sincere condolences to Dick and his family. Dick's brother, Wayne, was one of my college roomies so I met Marlys while at WWU. What a hoot she was!!! Just a genuine person. You are blessed for having her with you for so long, Dick.
Maya Sullivan
May 28, 2011
Maryls was a delightful neighbor. She was always inviting people over to talk and share refreshments. Maryls's generous and friendly nature created a welcoming atmosphere for impromptu visits.
Bernice Bell
May 28, 2011
My heart felt sympathy to Dick, Kristine, Paul, Tiffany, Steven, Kris, & all the grandkids. Marlys will leave a hugh void in our lives. People were naturally drawn to her. Her big heart encompassed her family and overwhelming amount of friends.
Marlys cut to the chase with her one sentence or word of wisdom replies. Her many gifts and talents included producing flowering plants and vegetables from seeds. I'll never forget the marigolds that looked like small shrubs! Marlys was an amazing woman, wife, mother, grandmother, friend and sister. Life will never be the same, however I doubt if I'll stop calling Gemma Marlys anytime soon.
I feel very blessed to have Marlys as my sister and friend. Memories of her will remain forever.
The Lord bless us & keep us and give us Peace.
Eternal love,
Bernice
Mark and Sue Forson
May 27, 2011
Steve, Kris, Mariah and Alex; We were very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Your neighbors.
May 27, 2011
I wanted to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of Mrs. Jensen. I remember Mrs. Jensen working with my class and myself over thirty years ago. She was always a great teacher. She connected with us and made us feel important. I was fifteen, which can be a difficult age. She was a great role model and person. Lori Welcker (former last name Arens), Snohomish, Washington
Beverly (Slingerlend) Miner
May 26, 2011
To the Jensen family
I am very sorry for your loss. Marlys was my big sister at EHS in 1957. It was that the senior girls were assigned a sophomore to be a "big sister" throughout that school year. I got Marlys and she was just that. She guided & motivated me and gave me her friendship. I have always and will always remember her, she leaves with me many special memories. As I read about her I can see she was the same in high school as she was in her adult life, making others her priority. So from her "little sister" EHS 1957 many thanks.
Dennis Haakenson
May 26, 2011
Sorry to hear of Marly's passing. Wish we could have gotten together more often in the past years.
the petterson's were talked about quit often as uncle Emil and aunt Lillian had stories to tell, your in our thoughts and prays.cousin Dennis and Sharon
Sherri Jira (Robb)
May 26, 2011
Jensen Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart just breaks for all of you. Losing a Mother always hurts. I Pray for peace and comfort during this time.
I remember when I was in Jr High, I would swim across the lake from the Sloans or Meyers house just to see my favorite teachers!
Love and big hugs to all of you!
Sherri Jira(Robb)
The camping group ladies
Mark Myers
May 26, 2011
Mark Myers
May 26, 2011
Jensens:
Marlys was one in a million. Hard to cope with the suddeness of all of this. There was nobody that did more; gave more to others than Marlys. Her heart was incredible.
We love you all so much and know the pain this brings. Marlys was more than mom's dear friend she was like an Aunt to us kids.
The hours spent on the lake and the many years at Lake Ki plus all the camping trips. You are like family to us and your pain is our pain.
Still hard to believe that it was so sudden. We love you all so deeply and will miss Marlys greatly.
Her laugh and sense of humor, her love for everyone and anyone will be deeply missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Dick, Christine, Paul, Steve and extended family. Marlys will always be the life of the party. Love you all!
Mark (Shannon) Myers and girls
Carol & Randy Bellon
May 25, 2011
Marlys lived her life to the fullest in such loving and generous ways. Randy and I moved to Lake Ki in 2001 and right away we realized we had the kind of neighbors everyone wishes they had! Dick and Marlys left a bucket full of home grown potatoes from their garden at our doorstep the first day we moved in. And that was just the beginning! It was always fun talking to you both over the fence or coming over to your place for a drink and interesting conversation. Marlys loved her family so much and it shows because you all are such kind, loving people and Randy and I are honored and blessed to have you all as friends. And Dick, we are right here, next door, ready for a drink or a chat, anytime.
Stephanie (Boortz) Fowler
May 25, 2011
Dick, Paul, Christine, Steve and family,
The last time I saw Marlys she was out here with Judy having a "girl weekend". It was so nice to see her, she gigling and laughing and was having a terrific time. Growing up with all of you, I consider you all family, and I am deeply saddened by this loss. I will be unable to attend the service, but please know I am thinking of all of you in this difficult time.
Julie Jewell
May 24, 2011
What an honor to have gotten to meet Marlys, and though our meetings were not as frequent in the past few years, they were always filled with smiles and great stories.
Love and Hugs to the Jensen Family...
Roger and Julie Jewell
Joy (Long) Losey
May 24, 2011
My pain and sorrow are with you at this time. Marlys was the real deal and my best friend for over 56 years.
Joy
Pat Landman
May 24, 2011
Dick, Paul, Christine, Steve and family,
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Marlys, as I shared with you the other day was an amazing woman and friend to all. I am so blessed I got to meet and know her while I worked at Lakewood.
Marlys had an amazing memory and the stories she told included detailed information the average person wouldn't remember. She always saw the good in life and lived each day that way. She shared a few cleaning tips with me at times, too. I am sure you are chucking at that comment. A drop of Palmolive soap in water to clean windows was one. Epsom salts in the soil around roses to keep the leaves shiny was another helpful tip from Marlys and it works.
I pray God will replace the sadness in your hearts with memories and stories. She truly made a difference in so many lives and will be missed.
Sincerely, Pat
Paul and Tara Thompson
May 24, 2011
We are neighbors of Paul and Tiffany and after the first time we met Dick and Marlys we felt we suddenly had another 'neighbor', though we didn't live next door! Marlys seemed to be one of those warm souls who's love of family, friends, and gatherings will surely still be felt at their home on Lake Ki. Our prayers go out to the family for this sudden loss. Paul & Tara Thompson (Jessica & Heather)
Rock Dorsey
May 24, 2011
Marlys was one of my favorite women to work with at Operation School Bell. I will always remember her bright smile and the kindness she showed all the students. May the beautiful memories that fill your heart help to bring you comfort.
Steve & Robin Barker
May 24, 2011
Dick and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Marlys was such a great person, always so caring and loving and had such an unbelievable memory. She will be deeply missed. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
May 24, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and memories will be cherished forever. Marcia Lannoye and family
Audrey (Hanson) Aitchison
May 23, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bonnie Kayla
May 23, 2011
I was fortunate enough to volunteer with Marlys at the Assistance League. I so looked forward to my shift in School Bell because I knew she would be there. You see I lost my Mom 4 years ago and had been having problems coping when I met Marlys. She always could tell when I needed to talk or more importantly when I needed to laugh! The similarities between Mom and Marlys were uncanny and very comforting. I like to think that they are in heaven laughing together while they play the slots! Marlys was truly an amazing woman and I thank you for sharing her with us.
May you find comfort knowing that Marlys was loved by many and will be truly missed.
Russ & Teresa Ronnback
May 23, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jensen family as they grieve over the loss of the bright light known as Marlys. We always enjoyed running into Marlys & Dick for a quick visit. Sincerely sorry for your loss,
Jane Stauffer
May 23, 2011
I feel very lucky to have worked in the same school as Marlys for about fifteen years. She was a friend to all - students, staff, and parents. I spoke to Marlys at the Lakewood School District retiree luncheon last month. As always, she had a smile and something nice to say to everyone. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
James & Sherry Schoonover
May 23, 2011
Marlys, "Oh, for gods sake!" How could this be... You were never supposed to leave us! I cant even count the events, memories, fun, fishing, parties and good times we have had! You were so very special to all of your family and friends. It will be a huge adjustment for everyone to carry on and move forward. You will always be missed and remembered. Love to all.
Teri Sommer
May 23, 2011
For the past 25 years, when giving directions or explaining to other locals where I live, I only had to say, “Right next door to Marlys and Dick Jensen, before they moved to the lake.” Everyone knows the Jensen family and I am blessed to have had them as neighbors.
The entire Jensen family included my children as part of their own. Every year, all three Kuehn kids got a special Christmas tree ornament from Marlys, as well as, many other gifts and homemade treats throughout the year. And, we always had a “Hello”, from her when we pulled into our driveway at the end of the day! She definitely kept track of us!
Certain people make us smile inside when we are reminded of them . . . they are always present, as they live in our hearts. Marlys is one such person!
She will forever be part of my life story and special memories. Congratulations to Marlys on a LIFE WELL LIVED AND LOVED!
Teri Sommer
Dave Botten
May 23, 2011
Paul,Steve and family Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
May 23, 2011
Dick, Paul, Kristine and Steve,
We are so sorry for you loss. When we talk of Marlys there will always be a smile. She was always so friendly and caring. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hector and Julie
Bill Olson
May 23, 2011
Dick, Kristine, Paul and Steven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Aunt Marlys was truly one of the best. I will cherish in my heart all of the family picnics and that Marlys coordinated. I will especially miss the birthday phone call I received every year from her.
Tami Walker (Brymer)
May 23, 2011
i am so sorry to hear about marlys. i am thinking of you all.
May 23, 2011
To Dick and family....Marlys and I have been friends since kindergarten. We walked to school together to Washington Elementary and North Jr. We spent overnights at each others houses all through our school years. We don't forget those early years and I will never forget Marlys. May God richly bless her memory to her family and all of us who loved her. Karen Trana
Tamara Kemp Ketchell
May 23, 2011
Dick, Paul, Kristine, Steve and families,
I was so sorry to hear of Marlys' passing. She was always a joy to be around. She made us all feel like family and I loved her sense of humor. She always worked hard, knew how to play, loved her family and community. May your happy memories sustain you in your time of loss. She will be missed.
the bredeson family
May 23, 2011
So very sorry for your loss.
Linda (Castle)Winter
May 23, 2011
Dear Dick and family - we are saddened by the news of Marlys' passing. You have supported us in our sorrow and now we return the favor. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tim Haring
May 23, 2011
Kristine,
I am so so sorry to hear about your Mother. She was a great Lady and was one of those people that once being around her you knew you were in good company. The one time I met her at opening day of fishing you knew right then and there you were a friend to her. Very nice Lady and full of stories about her favorite High School days, The Everett Seagulls ! If there is anything I can help with please let me know, God Bless Tim Haring
May 22, 2011
Dick and Family, What a shock this was when We heard of Marlys' passing. It's like she was supose to live forever in our minds. We have so enjoyed our visits over the years and those Petterson/Berg family gatherings at you house every year were so special. We remember well you guys attending our wedding in Bremerton in 1978 too. Our condolence are with.
Gary and Bernadette Stokes
Cebu, Philippines
Shannon Lane
May 22, 2011
Jensen family thank you for sharing Marlys with us. She was a loving lady. We will miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May 22, 2011
I feel like I grew up with the Jensen family having been born and raised on Lake Ki. Marlys was always interested in what our family was up to and this recent year wanted updates on how Shelbey was doing at Baylor University. What a caring family and how she will be missed by all. JensenCity will not be the same without her..Our thoughts our with you all.Larry
JoAnne Sather
May 22, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Jensen family.
Sheryl Jackson
May 22, 2011
I feel like I grew up with the Jensen family having been born and raised on Lake Ki. Marlys was always interested in what our family was up to and this recent year wanted updates on how Shelbey was doing at Baylor University. What a caring family and how she will be missed by all. JensenCity will not be the same without her..Our thoughts our with you all.Larry
KandiRae Graber
May 22, 2011
Dick, Kristine, Paul & Steve,
My thoughts & prayers go out you all at this time. Many fond memories are shared by all.
Kandi McKenzie Graber
Tiffany DeWitt
May 22, 2011
Jensen family we are so sorry for your loss she will be missed beyond words can express. Thank you for sharing her with our community, we love your family and I am sure I speak for many many others. Bless you
maranda goolsby
May 22, 2011
i am so thankful for all of the many memories i have with the jensen family, all 27yrs of them are dear to my heart! i can not imagine better, more loving neighbors and friends to grow up nextdoor to. marlys you will be missed dearly!
May 22, 2011
Mrs. Jensen was a great teacher and will be missed by many. Sending lots of prays to her family.. She was an amazing women.
- Katie Willcutt
Bernice Freestad
May 22, 2011
The Jensen Family,
I am so thankful that I had the last game of Pinochle with Marlys and the ladies of Lake Ki Pinochle group at her home on Monday before she passed away. What a perfect hostess she always was.I also am grateful for the help she gave our family arranging Viking Hall for my husband,Bobs memorial four years ago. What a wonderful friend and neighbor. She will be missed by all Bernice Freestad
Violet Kemp
May 22, 2011
Dick and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
I don't know if I can make it there on Tuesday as we have an appointment in Arlington at 3:30. If we get through in time I'll stop by.
Judy Hutchins
May 22, 2011
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Marlys was a wonderful person and will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Merilee Hanson
May 22, 2011
Being a member of the great class of "57" I have many great memories of our lives together starting at North Jr. clear through 3 years at EHS. Our friendship continued through the early marriage years and many coffee hrs. when we were trying to keep track of our 7 children (combined) when we both lived in Marysville. Through the last years our paths have separated but certainly enjoyed our group that got together for a once a year luncheon. These warm treasures that we carry inside our soul are what keep us going as we lead our lives without our loved ones. Peace be with all of Marlys' family as that would be her wishes.
May 22, 2011
Marlys was a dear friend. We spent many days of our growing up years together, all the way through college. I enjoyed seeing her when I was visiting Everett.
My warm sympathies go out to Dick.
Sincerely,
Diane Madden (Olsen)
Roseville, CA.
Launa Fingerson Peters
May 22, 2011
Marlys always knew how to be such a delightful friend thru the years. She will indeed be greatly missed by all. My prayers and condolences to her family.
May 22, 2011
Glee McDonald
Ray and Pat Seiber
May 22, 2011
To the family of Marlys. We consider it an honor to have lived near and loved Marlys. She was SPECIAL.
Bernice & Marlys at family picnic 2010
Bernice Bell
May 22, 2011
Gemma Bell
May 22, 2011
My prayers go out to Dick, Kristine, Paul & Steven. Life just won't be the same without Marlys.
I will hold in my heart the memories of the cousin's night out's that we had with Marlys, what a special time.
I always looked forward to the family picnic's at Marlys & Dick's, they were all good times.
The three sisters 2010
Gemma Bell
May 22, 2011
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