Mary Jensen

OBITUARY MATERIAL FOR MARY JENSEN It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Jensen, age 68, who passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Mary was born on August 13, 1957, in Butte, Montana to Walter G. Werth and Zella L. Rigby. She was their second child and was born premature, overcoming many obstacles early in life. Mary was raised in Butte and attended local schools, graduating from Butte High School. While in high school, Mary met her high school sweetheart, Steven J. Jensen. The two shared a deep love, but tragedy struck when Steve passed away in a hunting accident just two months before the birth of their daughter, Jennifer Jensen. After Jennifer was born, Mary devoted her life to being both a loving mother and a strong provider. She worked hard and built her world around her daughter. Wherever Mary went, Jennifer was often close behind — her little shadow — unless Mary was hard at work at one of the jobs she took on to give Jennifer the best life she could. Later in life, Mary found love again when she met James “Jim” Sawtell. They fell deeply in love and shared many happy years together. When Mary and Jim married, she was also blessed with two step-sons, James Sawtell and Drew Sawtell; whom she loved as her own. Jim remained faithfully by her side through the end, caring for her with great love and devotion. Mary’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was blessed with two grandchildren, Steven “Precious” Jensen and Madisen “Sassy Pants” Sanders. After retiring, Mary loved spending her time with them and was proud that they could be with family instead of daycare. She delighted in teaching them little things — sometimes just to playfully annoy Jennifer — and loved the laughter and chaos they brought into her life. She was also blessed with seven step-grandchildren: Jace, Tucker, Ella, Brylynn, Skylar, Rhett, and Brinlee, whom she loved as her own. Mary was also blessed with two cherished great-granddaughters, Oaklynn Sanders and Kynzley Sanders, who brought her endless joy. She loved them more than life itself and was always ready with a noisy kiss on the cheek or a playful tickle on their toes. Mary was known for her wonderful sense of humor. She loved to laugh and enjoyed joking around, especially with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One thing everyone who knew Mary will remember was her love of Diet Pepsi — it went everywhere with her and was almost always in her hand. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Zella L. Rigby and Walter G. Werth; her stepfather, Rolland Farmen; her brother, Dean Werth; her sister, Ruth Witt; and her nephew, Joshua Witt. She is survived by her loving spouse, Jim Sawtell; her daughter, Jennifer Jensen; step sons James (Nikki) Sawtell, Drew (Sadie) Sawtell; her grandchildren, Steven (Bri) Jensen, Madisen Sanders, Tucker Sawtell, Ella Sawtell, Brylynn Sawtell, Skylar Sawtell, and Jace Sawtell, Rhett Sawtell,and Brinlee Sawtell; her beloved great-granddaughters, Oaklynn Sanders and Kynzley Sanders; and many other family members and friends who loved her dearly. Cremation has taken place. Services will be held on March 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Mount Moriah Cemetery. A gathering with food and drinks will follow back at Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home. . Guests are encouraged to wear purple, as it was Mary’s favorite color. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Honey Bee Hospice, and especially to Virginia and Rylee, for the wonderful care, compassion, and support they provided during Mary’s final days. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a diabetes foundation or a dementia foundation in Mary’s honor. Bible Verse “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

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Mary Jensen

August 13, 1957 - February 26, 2026