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Kathleen Jensen Obituary
Kathy passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at the age of 56. She was a dedicated horsewomen all of her life and touched many people through horses. She rode with the High-Riders jumping team and competed in show competitions around the state for many years.
Kathy was also a wonderful teacher and taught many young people to ride and jump, first when she was a riding instructor at Jensen's Armstrong Stables and later with 4-H Club. She continued giving private lessons at Westwood Stables and helping her friends improve their skills through "play dates" at Cypress West Farm. She had great patience and kindness with the students, horses and animals of all kinds.
Kathy was an employee of Lamoure's Cleaners & Laundry for 34 years. She lived simply but was always there to help others. She was unpretentious and genuine, generous, ingenious at fixing things, and also very independent and self-sufficient. She was extremely bright - the Times crossword puzzles were child's play to her and she loved the most difficult Sudoku puzzles. She was plain-spoken and known for pithy one-liners that her sisters and her friends still chuckle over.
She is survived by her four sisters, Terri Jensen, Joanne Murphy, Marilyn Hardy and Susanne Lalama; as well as four nephews, Brian Lawler, Paul Murphy, David Murphy and Daniel Lalama; a great niece and nephew, Brian Lawler Jr. and Gwyneth Lawler; also four stepbrothers, Thomas and Daniel Sabatino and Wayne and Errol Montomery. She also leaves behind her much-loved Appaloosa mare Confusion Reins (Fusion), her little dog Frankie and cats Penny and Candy. Kathy was dearly loved by all of us and we will forever miss her.
A Memorial Service will be held at Lisle Funeral Home on Saturday, August 9, 2008, at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations amy be made to the ALS Association at 27001 Agoura Rd. Ste 150, Calabasas, Ca., 91301. LISLE FUNERAL HOME 1605 'L' Street Fresno, Ca. (559)266-0666
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Jensen
Tara
September 8, 2025
I was one of the many Kathy took on for lessons at Armstrong in the 90´s. I was always a horse mad kid, and once I got a job I chose to start lessons.... I can remember her sarcasm lol. I quote her here, "my grandma with a walker can get over that jump faster!"
I invited her to my wedding as a guest, and while she declined attendance, she did give a card and a gift, and I still possess said gift and card, 30+ years later. A black iron horseshoe boot-scraper.... I am sorry to see she passed,
Doing what she loved best
September 6, 2008
Cowgirl up!
September 6, 2008
At the barn
September 6, 2008
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Early teens
September 6, 2008
First grade
September 6, 2008
Bryan Apper
September 5, 2008
Kathy was a great teacher. When my daughter's horse got tangled in a jump and my daughter was thrown from the horse, she knew just what to do for a safe landing. I am thankful for Kathy's excellent instruction.
Carrie Hansen
August 14, 2008
I was one of Kathy's lesson kids at Armstrong - I can't believe it was over 20 years ago. She was so patient, helping me school my hay-bellied backyard pony and getting us outfitted in hand-me-downs for the Summer Sweat show. I'll never forget one day after we had all cooled out after a ride and she told a group of us pre-teen girls that boys might let you down, but a horse never would. Most of all, she taught me that no matter what happens, you get back on the horse. I'm so grateful for the time I knew her and my sympathies go out to her friends and family.
Mary Apper
August 12, 2008
Kathy was the greatest teacher/friend I ever had...
Mary Apper
August 10, 2008
Kathy has been with me since I was an eight year old, bright and eager to learn all I could about horses... Little did I know she would end up teaching me and molding me into so much more.... I have no words that can truely express what she meant to me or how much of an impact she had in how I grew up, but here is an attempt...
Through the years I rode with Kathy at Jensen Armstrong, Westfork, and then Cypress West, no matter how much time passed our paths continued to cross. She showed me how to always strive to try to best my best and never do anything half-assed. Some time had passed but we still kept in contact and she was one person I could always count on getting an email from when I went on my last two deployments to Iraq. Kathy would tell me how my horse was doing, the basic news, tid bits about what she had been up to and most important that she was there for me...
I love and miss her so much, I will keep her in my heart forever.
Sheila Miles
August 9, 2008
Sue, Joanne, Marilyn and Terri--I can't tell you how shocked and sad I was to hear about Kathy's passing. I especially wish I could be there with all of you today. It was so special to have had time together here in Georgia. I know how much she valued family and family history. I will always remember her and my Dad pouring over family photos when we made our trip to Fresno back in 1976 (?)--Joanne's Brian and my Brian were toddlers crawling around on the floor. I will miss her Christmas notes, too! My heart and prayers are there even if I can not.
Brenda McDonald
August 8, 2008
Sue,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. I pray each one of you will find comfort in the Lord.
Howard Whaley
August 8, 2008
Susan, Joanne, Terry & Marilyn,
Lorraine and I were saddened to learn of Kathy's death.
We remember her love of horses and our Sue, Rhonda and Mark (Kyle was only 2) remember that during our visit to your folks, (Uncle Del) in 1973 she took them out to see her horse.
Although distance has kept us apart, we have enjoyed her annual updates on you gals and will miss that unless one of you takes up the challenge. Joanne and I have exchanged e mails on family history and has kept me updated me somewhat.
Be assured of our prayers.
Howard & Lorraine Whaley
Charlene Voorneveld
August 8, 2008
Kathy & Fusion came to Cypress West Farm just over six years ago and has been here everyday with the exception of a short vacation and going to the hospital. She was a very responsible horse owner, teacher and someone we all could depend on for help or to let us know if there was a problem. She would arrive at the barn and go sit in a chair and read the paper and have a snack and cold drink before working with her horse. She was always willing to help if you asked and tackfully offer suggestions for those in need. She will be sorely missed at the barn and we want to extend our prayers and sincere condolences to her family.
Charlene & Adrian Voorneveld
Monica C
August 8, 2008
How blessed I am to have had Kathy in my life and as a dear friend. I still can't put into words how much I miss her. You are always in my heart Kathy. My prayers are with her family.
Patricia Peverill
August 7, 2008
It has been 17 years but Duane and I both rode with Kathy at Armstrong Stables. I have been boarding with her the last 5 years so new her well. The animal world has lost a friend. My heart goes out to her family She will be missed by all that knew her.
Pat and Duane Peverill
With 'Fusion as a filly about 5 years ago
August 7, 2008
Sharing the blue ribbon
August 7, 2008
...and a much bigger ride
August 7, 2008
Her first ride
August 7, 2008
Sweet 16
August 7, 2008
Cute at 2 yrs old
August 7, 2008
Kendra Adelson
August 7, 2008
I was one of the many young kids that Kathy J taught to ride and jump at Armstrong Stables before becoming a member of the High Riders. She was an animal lover who taught me how to be tough on top of many other life lessons. She made a difference in many peoples lives and she will be missed and remembered fondly. My condolences go out to her family and loved ones.
Patrice Loretta
August 7, 2008
Kathy shared her love of horses and depth of knowledge with anyone who was interested to learn.
I am so grateful and blessed that I was able to know her. She helped me on many occasions and showed patience and kindness at every turn.
Just in the past year, she was helping me calm my horse who was going through a new transition at the time, and he swing his head unexpectedly and gave her a pretty good rap on her lip. I felt horrible as she was only trying to help. She never said a word about how much it hurt. I was horrified to learn much later that her lip had swollen up as a result. She never complained or blamed me just took it as part of life.
I never heard an unkind word come out of her mouth about anyone and I find her nature an inspiration and a lesson in itself. The lessons she taught me went far beyond enjoying and caring for horses.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family who I know will miss her greatly.
Makayla Genaro
August 7, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful woman. Kathy was the first person to teach me to ride a horse. She made a huge impression on my life and I will never ever forget her. My deepest sympathy goes out to her family, friends and animals. She will be missed.
Mary Jane Runyon
August 7, 2008
It's been 100 years since I rode with Kathy J, and I will never forget her. My sympathy to the family.
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