Mary Lou Smith Jensen was born on one the hottest days on record, July 6, 1936 in Iowa City, Iowa, the eldest child of James W and Mary Jane Smith.  She attended Newport Township School #3 adjacent to her family farm and University High School (Class of 1954) in Iowa City.  Mary was a farm girl through and through – tending to livestock was her favorite chore. She was her Dad’s right hand in the fields as well, learning to drive the farm truck and tractor at a young age.  World War II was in full swing, times were tough, but she never shied away from hard work; she shouldered responsibility with grit and grace. 

On August 20, 1953, Mary was united in marriage to Kenneth C Jensen in Iowa City.  She devoted her life to raising their ten children with unwavering commitment.  In Mary’s later years, she enjoyed countryside rides every Sunday with daughter Laura, reading periodicals and corresponding with family and friends.  Mary was an absolute fan of the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team and her beloved Chicago Cubs, especially during the Pat Hughes/Ron Santo era on WGN radio. 

Eternal rest for Mary came on July 10, 2026, and the age of 90 years.

She is survived by her children: Mary Cahill of Williamsburg, Ben (Julie) Jensen of Macomb, OK, Margaret Jensen of West Liberty, Alice Taylor of Montezuma, Joseph (Shirley) Jensen of Hiawatha, George (Cindy) Jensen of Marengo, Laura (Christian) Elliott of North English and Freda (Mike) Powers of Williamsburg.  17 grandchildren; William, Athena, Nathan, Tristan, Anthony, Earl, Earlene, Heath, Jeffrey, Greggory, Elizabeth, Mike, Alisha, Dylan, Lyndsey, Patrick and Jesse. 22 great grandchildren; Cameron, Eliana, Isaac, Roman, Declan, Maclan, Sophia, Ryker, Alexus, Abby, Holden, Bray, Briella, Haley, Madison, Cael, Hayden, Owen, Alexia, Alyssa, Addison, Chloe and one great, great granddaughter, Aiyanna; brothers James H (Carolyn) Smith and William L (Cindy) Smith of Iowa City. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, former husband Kenny, two sisters Joann Leinbaugh and Juanita Ricci, son Kenneth Jr., daughter Johanna Marie, daughter in law Stacie Jensen, son in law Bill Taylor and granddaughter Justine Omar. 

Per Mary’s wishes, no service will be held. Henderson-Barker Funeral Home is caring for Mary and her family.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to: Stagecoach Inn Restoration Fund at Heritage Park, West Liberty.