Judy Jensen

Judy Jensen Loved by Cowboys and Outlaws alike

With overwhelming sadness, we said goodbye to Judy on the morning of May 25, 2011. Our grief is tempered with the freedom that she must feel being finished with her valiant fight to recover from a devastating aneurism, she suffered on March 24, 2011. As is her nature, she put her heart and soul into recovering and never complained, fighting harder with each setback, until her body could fight no longer. Judy was born in Salt Lake City on March 20, 1943 to proud parents, George K. And Leone Hazen Jensen joining her brothers, Keith, Lynn, Don, and sister, Faye. Almost from the time she could walk, she considered herself a true cowboy, riding the range (her neighborhood) on her much loved pony, Muffet, leading her posse (George, Bob, and Diana Hendricks) in search of outlaws. Her love of horses lasted throughout her life, and contributed to many life choices. Judy was the first woman to graduate from Utah State University with a BS degree in Dairy Science. She then leased and managed the Hi Ute Ranch for three years, along with her sister, Faye. Judy used her knowledge of operating a dairy to become the first female Corrections Officer in the State of Utah, managing the Dairy at the Draper Correctional Facility. Although the officer she replaced was the only officer to be killed at the Utah State Prison, she was not hesitant to accept this position, where she taught male inmates how to work at a dairy. During this time, the dairy supplied milk to the entire correctional facility. Judy retired from the Draper Prison, but soon returned to work at the Gunnison Correctional Facility. During this time, she built her home in Kanab so she could enjoy the red rock and soil where so many of her favorite cowboys (Roy Rogers, Tom Mix and Gene Autry) were filmed riding in her favorite Western movies. Her love and respect for animals led her to volunteer at Best Friends Animal Society for several years where she was a valuable, trusted advocate for animal rights. She eventually relocated to Spring City to shorten her commute to the Gunnison Facility. Judy loved a new opportunity and was the first person to import a frozen food product into the U.S. from England. She loved to travel, always planning her next destination. Those of us lucky enough to be her friend knew what a loyal and trusted friend she was. She was always there to help and support her friends in any way possible. She leaves a void that cannot be filled in the lives of her Posse; Linda Adams, Ken and Kim Gilbert, Robyn Thompson, Tina Avelar, Barbara Reed and Brent Avery, as well as her family, sister Faye, Sylvia Lesser, and many other friends from all over the state. She was welcomed home by her Mother, Father, and brothers Keith and Donnie, and there to greet her was her beloved Palomino, Golden. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at the Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 N. Main. A viewing will be held from 11:45-12:45 pm prior to services. Interment – Bountiful City Cemetery. Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com. Ride Cowboy Ride… Happy Trails Judy.