Christina (Stephenson) Jensen
Christina (Stephenson) Jensen 51, passed away suddenly on December 8, 2023. Tina was born on May 30, 1972, in Provo Utah to John Gordon and Mary Stephenson of Holden Utah. She was the eldest of 6 kids. As a child she spent her time in the town of Holden and on the family farm in McCormick. In 1980 the family wanted to expand their cattle operation, so it was off to Salmon Idaho, where today is still considered home. She attended school in Salmon and was an active member of the volleyball, basketball, and rodeo teams. In her spare time, she was also a successful cattle showman, showing the registered Hereford cattle that was produced on the ranch.
After completing high school in 1990, it was off to Ricks College in Rexburg Idaho where she would start out by studying animal science. It was there that she met her best friend and eternal companion Brooks Jensen which was an instant connection between the two once Brooks was able to overcome the intimidation of Tina’s good looks and wits. The relationship developed quickly, as they were married August 9th,1991 in the Logan Utah LDS Temple.
They made their home in Preston Idaho where their family began to expand with the birth of Kylee in November of 1992. In March of 1993 it was off to Salmon to work with her family on the ranch. Josh followed in January of 1995. Soon after Josh was born, she started pursuing a working career at East Idaho Credit Union in Salmon. It was there that she made a lot of friends helping them with their banking needs. In December 1999, Paycen would join the family. In April of 2002, Brooks decided to pursue an opportunity at the Kerr-McGee facility in Soda Springs, which required a move to Grace, Idaho, where the family has since resided.
Tina always had a passion for kids. She worked extremely hard as a wife, mother, and paraprofessional at the Grace school district, while attending Western Governors University and completing her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. This would lead to her permanent role as a 1st grade teacher at Black Canyon Elementary. It was easy to see her success by the number of kids that required their daily hug from Mrs. Jensen, whether in 1st or 12th grade. Mrs. Jensen will truly be missed by all who knew her.
Tina is survived by her husband Brooks of 32 years, a daughter Kylee (Jake) Hopkins of Bancroft, Idaho, two sons Josh (Sydney) Jensen, Kaysville, Utah, and Paycen (Andee) Jensen, Grace, Idaho. The light of her life are her grandchildren, Huck, Shaun, Ridge, Jae, Coy, and Saylor. Her parents, Gordon and Mary Stephenson of Salmon, Idaho. Her in-laws, Val and Linda Jensen of Preston, Idaho. Two sisters and three brothers, their spouses, and several nieces and nephews along with numerous past students.
A viewing was held Wednesday, December 13, 2023, in the evening from 6-8pm at the Grace Stake Center. Funeral services were held Thursday, December 14, 2023 with a viewing prior from 10:30am-11:30am at the Grace Idaho LDS Stake Center.
