Beverly Jean Jensen

Beverly Jean Jensen, 68, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on June 8th, 2024 at home in Missoula after a short but courageous battle with cancer.  Bev’s life was defined by her unwavering love for her family. She fought with immense determination, cherishing every moment she could spend with her loved ones. Born on August 8th, 1955, in Glendive, Montana to Richard and Agnes Miesaloski, Bev grew up on the family farm in Wibaux, Montana. It was there that she developed her strong values of family and work ethic, which guided her throughout her life. While attending grade school and high school, Bev excelled both academically and athletically, particularly in track and basketball. In 1973, she graduated as the valedictorian of Wibaux County High School.

After a brief stint at UPS, Bev discovered her true calling as a mother.  She welcomed her first child Britt in ’76 followed by Jens in ‘82, Dane in ‘83, Eric in ‘84, Traci in ‘85 and after moving to Missoula, her last child Earl in ’92.   While raising six children she had various jobs while handling all errands, appointments, practices and events six kids would demand.  As her children grew older, Bev pursued her second purpose in life. She returned to school at Montana State University, where she earned her nursing degree with a remarkable 4.0 GPA. Despite the demands of her studies and frequent travels between Missoula and Bozeman, she graduated at the top of her class. After working for some time at First Care Community Hospital, she moved to the NICU, where her first calling, being a mother, came full circle caring for the most delicate babies.  Eventually she moved on, and for the last 17+ years of her career, she dedicated herself to the psychiatry department at St Patrick Hospital, never compromising on her strong work ethic, continued to work until her passing.

Bev had many hobbies including cooking (and enjoying a good meal of course), reading, traveling, playing games and watching movies with her family, attending sporting events including her absolute favorite being Griz football games. Above all, Bev cherished her role as a mother and grandmother. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength.

She is survived by her mother Agnes, sisters Mary (Rick) and Lori (Jim), brothers Frank and John, children, Brittony Ater, Dane Jensen (Chilo), Eric Jensen (Allie), Traci Shaffer (Jeff), Earl Jensen (Rachel), too many nieces, nephews, cousins to name and her biggest passion later in life, her ten prized grandchildren.  She was the true matriarch of our big family and although her absence creates a void in our hearts and will be missed every day, we are thankful for the time we spent with her before the Lord came calling.  She can now give Jens a big hug for all of us.

A Celebration of Life will be determined at a later date.  Being the angel she was, in lieu of flowers, Bev’s wishes were for donations to go to the Wounded Warrior Project and if you aren’t already, to be an organ donor.