Robert and Zola Jensen

Robert & Zola Jensen Together  Robert Bjornstead Jensen, 81, died in Portland, Oregon April 2, 2004. He was born May 12, 1922 in Centerfield, Utah to William Thiede Jensen and Edna Gerharda Jensen. Zola Ann Murphy Jensen, 81, died in Portland, Oregon on July 14, 2004. She was born October 19, 1923 in Salina, Utah to Daniel Eldred Murphy and Winona Gee Murphy. Robert (Bob) and Zola both graduated from North Sevier High School in 1941. Bob was always called upon to repair and fix anything broken at the school. Zola was the cheerleader. Robert graduated from the Agricultural College (A.C.) in Logan, Utah. Zola attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where she majored in business administration while playing on the women's basketball team. Bob was a corpsman and pharmacy assistant in the U.S. Navy serving two separate tours of duty. His first tour was from January 6, 1944 to May 17, 1946. His second tour was at the U.S.N. Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan from February 19, 1951 to December 22, 1951. He was ranked a shipfitter 3rd class when he was Honorably Discharged. Bob married Zola Ann Murphy on May 29, 1948 in Ely, Nevada. On their honeymoon they were mistaken for bank robbers. Zola spent the night in the Nevada desert in their Cadillac Coup while Robert was housed courtesy of the Ely Sheriff department. They were reunited the next day and resumed their honeymoon. Bob worked for Continental Baking Company in Salt Lake City for 29 years operating the newly innovative bread-wrapping machine. He was the Housekeeping Supervisor for the Veterans Administration Medical Center for 17 years. In addition to his working career he owned and operated his own landscaping business. Zola was employed at the Utah State Capital, then Burts and Bakers shoe store. She retired from the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City where she was employed for many years in both Central Service and the Dietary  Department. Bobs community service includes membership in the Elks Lodge and the Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) #67 for many years. Zola was a Primary teacher for the LDS Ensign 2nd Ward. She was president and past Madame President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) Auxiliary #67 in Salt Lake City where she donated thousands of hours participating on the ladies drill team and cooking Friday night dinners. In 1969 she was chairman of the National Foundation of the March of Dimes at the Terrace Ballroom.  Upon retirement Zola found the love and passion of garage and estate sales where she used that knowledge to operate a small business in antique galleries.  In his later years, Bob joined the 8th South Senior Citizens Center "Happy-go-Lucky's" harmonica band where he performed at various functions. Robert enjoyed motorcycles, collecting classic automobiles, bowling, flying airplanes, and stylish jewelry. He loved horses and especially dogs. He was a man who wore his Stetson with style.  In September of 2003 Bob and Zola moved to Brightwood, Oregon to be with their daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the beauty of nature. Bob is survived by his brother Jack Shaffer. Zola is survived by her brothers McQue and Stanley Murphy and preceded by her sister Dixie James. Others include their son Dennis Jensen, daughters Luzon Birdsong, LesLee Jones, Robyn O'Reilly, five grandchildren, four great-grand children and Zola's special friend Diana Humphrey. Cryptside services will be held at Garner Funeral Home and Salt Lake Mausoleum, 1001 11th Avenue, S.L.C. on Wednesday Aug. 11 at 11:00 am. So very long a journey traveled so quickly, We rest now with gratitude and recollection. Life has been good and so have we together. The family expresses its sincere thanks for the loving care and kindness that Bob and Zola received from the White Dove Adult Foster Care Home, Adventist Health Hospital and Adventist Health Hospice in Portland, Oregon. In lieu of flowers please donate in their name to your local hospice. Directors, Garner Funeral Home.