ELIZABETH “Betty” JENSEN
July 18, 1943 ~ March 4, 2013

On March 4th, 2013 Elizabeth “Betty” Anne (Byron) Jensen entered the arms of her Savior after a valiant battle with cancer.
Betty was born to Kristjan (Chris) and Snolaug (Mollie) Byron on July 18th, 1943 in Grafton, North Dakota. She spent most of her childhood in the Hensel, ND area, creating life-long memories with her family and friends. After losing her mother in 1952 due to cancer and her father in 1958 due to an accident, Betty was surrounded by her loving older siblings and other family and friends. She attended Mayville State Teacher’s College and taught school for a short time in Minto, ND. She married Cal Jensen in 1963 and they lived in West Fargo, ND and Marshall MN before settling down in Park Rapids MN with the purchase of the Emmaville Store. Hard work, long hours, and a determined spirit allowed the business to grow into a local gem. Betty never forgot all the friends she made while at Emmaville, and when it was time for her to live on her own, she chose to stay in the Park Rapids area. Serving others continued to be important to her as she worked at Nick’s Garage (formally known as Steve’s Conoco). She was active at Calvary Lutheran Church, could often be found working in her yard, and loved to read. Betty will be remembered for many reasons, but her five grandchildren will always remember their grandmother for the special love she showed each of them, the treasure boxes she sent for each holiday, and for the special Christmas ornaments they received each year.
Betty had three children. Kathleen Mae was born prematurely on June 21, 1969 and entered heaven that same day. Beth Jensen-Iverson lives with her husband, Erik Iverson, and their children, Amanda and James, in Fredericksburg, TX. Shane Jensen lives with his wife, Beth (Baker) and their three children, Rachel, Nicole, and Matthew in Bemidji, MN.
Betty is also survived by three siblings: Ethel Thorlacius of Stephen, MN, Joseph Byron of Coon Rapids, MN, and James Byron of Burlington, WA. Siblings that went to heaven before her include John Peter Byron and Olive Jonina Byron.
Betty is also survived by her best friend, Pat Sargent and his family. Many, many years were spent together and it is an understatement to say that those were the happiest years of her life. The Sargent family has always loved Betty unconditionally and she treasured being a part of the family.
The family will be receiving friends and family at the Visitation Service on Thursday, March 7th from 5:00-7:00 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home. Calvary Lutheran Church will hold services on Friday, March 8th at 11:00, with a luncheon being served afterward. Memorials are preferred and will be donated to the Northern Light Opera Company, which Betty enjoyed attending each and every year. The family extends their deepest thanks and appreciation to all who have helped during this difficult time, especially the professional and caring staff at Heritage Living Center, St. Joseph's  and the members of the Hospice Care.