Patricia Ann Knudsen Jens
Dec. 23, 1935 ~ Dec. 30, 2017
27Patricia Ann Knudsen Jens, 82, died Dec. 30, 2017, following a brief illness in Casa Grande, Ariz. Patty was born Dec. 23, 1935, in Mesa, Ariz., and was the middle daughter of Jep and Margaret Knudsen. She enjoyed her beautiful home in Palisade, Colo., and her winter home in Casa Grande.
Patty graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1953 and attended Mesa College. On June 20, 1954, she married Dale Edward Jens, her high school sweetheart that led to 63 years of marriage. Patty became a vital partner in Dale’s career as a music educator and a custom builder in Meeker, Colo. She was the most amazing mother, grandmother and friend.
In 1991 Patty retired as an administrative assistant from the White River National Forest where she was admired and loved by all of her co-workers. Patty and Dale then moved to Rifle, Colo., and she assisted Dale in developing a subdivision of custom homes before finally retiring to their dream home in Palisade.
Patty is survived by her husband Dale, son Daniel (Brenda) Jens, daughters Diana (Leonard) Caldwell, Dana Jens, Danette (Keith) Davidson, nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who will cherish every memory Patty created with each one of them. Patty is also survived by her sister Dorothea (Don) Stucker and brother John (Charlene) Knudsen and numerous nieces, nephews and friends from every place Patty ever went.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the American Lutheran Church, 631 26 ½ Rd., Grand Junction, Colo., 81526.
Please join us for a celebration of Patty’s life at 1 p.m. on June 2, 2018, at 623 Sobre El Rio Dr. Palisade, Colo., 81526.