Ralph Jensen
CASTLE DALE – Ernest Ralph Jensen, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Dec. 7, 2005.
He was born in Ferron on Dec. 23, 1916 to Ernest Eugene Jensen and Neva Beata Ralphs. He and his wife, Velda Mae Jones married on Oct. 21, 1939 and were sweethearts for 66 years.
Ralph worked 34 years in the coal mines to support his family and his love for farming and animals. Like his father, he was blessed with the gift of a deep sense of knowing the needs of animals in his care. This ability also helped him in rearing his children and grandchildren. He always had time to saddle up the horses or go see the baby calves with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ralph, Velda and their entire family enjoyed more than 30 consecutive years of four-day camping reunions in the mountains.
Ralph was a member of the Blue and Gold Riding Club and participated in the Cloverleaf Barrel Racing State Championship Team. He was a member of UMWA Local 6363 for 65 years.
He was a bronc-bustin’, cow-punchin’ old time cowboy; a hero and friend to his children and grandchildren. His keen sense of humor, the compassion he had for people, and his undying energy will be missed.
Ralph is survived by wife, Velda; children, Darwin and Judy Jensen, Joyce Miya, Karen Tamllos and Stuart and Jeannie Jensen; special friends, Dale Davis and Dean Nielsen; brother, Don Y.; sisters, Elaine (Jim) Jensen and Helen (Hershel) Peacock. He had 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by sister, Dora; grandson, Drew Davis; great-grandchild, Mary Rose Nielsen; son-in-law, Dan Tamllos; and especially loved horse, Star.
Services will be Saturday, Dec. 10, 1 p.m., in the Castle Dale LDS Stake Center. Friends are invited to call one hour prior to services. Interment, Castle Dale cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ralph’s memory may be made to the LDS Church’s Perpetual Education Fund, 50 East North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150. The family extends their sincere appreciation to Community Nursing Services and Hospice for their care and help.