Our little mother, Sarah Elaine Smith Jensen, age 91, passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2017 in Delta, Utah; and went on her next great adventure, into the arms of her son, Fred Samuel, and her many family and friends who have passed on before. She was born just before the Great Depression, on February 8, 1926, to Jason Lynn and Ruby Alice Edwards Smith. She grew up on a hard scrabble farm outside of Roosevelt, Utah. Her dad died from influenza at a very young age. Her Mom took her 5 siblings and ended up in Midway, Utah, remarrying Earl Sulser. She left school in 9th grade, to go to work and help her family by doing laundry.
She met Earl Clark Bringard in Salt Lake City. They were married in 1946, and moved to Delta. They later divorced.
Mom persevered, she worked hard as a waitress and a cook and raised 4 little ones into adulthood. In 1966, she married Marvin Frank Jensen. He passed away on June 12, 2008. After that, her son, Dan, and his wife, Sue, took care of her; as her health declined, she moved into the Millard County Care Center in Delta, where she has been cared for with love and concern for 7 years. We cannot say enough about the staff and their truly loving concern and care for our mom.
She is survived by 3 children: Colleen Vandongen (Chuck Thomas), Dan (Sue) Bringard, and Pamela (Tom) Wharram;15 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 16 great-great grandchildren; sisters: Gay Motley, Loya Toly; brother: Kay Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents, son: Fred Samuel; son-in-law: Larry Vandongen; brothers: Tuck, Marin, and Dan; sister: Phyllis.
Mom was a beauty with sparkling blue eyes, blond hair and a beautiful smile. She had a spunky, quirky personality and a heart of gold. She loved flowers, cooking, and sewing.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 23, 12:00 Noon, at the Nickle Mortuary Chapel, 190 South Center St, Delta. A Viewing will be held Thursday, 10:30-11:40 AM, prior to the service. Burial will be in the Delta City Cemetery.