Velma Jensen, 74

It is with great sadness that the family of Velma Fay (Peterson) Jensen, 74, announces her passing on July 9, 2025, in Kalispell. She was born July 6, 1951, in Seattle to Charles Russell and Margaret (Newton) Peterson.

Velma was raised in the Pacific Northwest, graduating from Shoreline High School in 1970. She met the love of her life, Allen Dean Jensen while employed at K-Mart in Mount Lake Terrace, Washington. They were married in Edmonds, Washington in a small backyard wedding surrounded by family and friends on Aug. 4,1990.

In March of 1992 she moved to Lakeside with her husband, Allen and three children.

Velma began working at Montana Wax and Works in production of products then moving into shipping and receiving and eventually into management. When the company closed their doors Velma went into production work at Semi-tool then into a few print shops in Kalispell. She found her niche at Veterans Clothing and More in Kalispell, where she retired. 

Velma enjoyed many hobbies and interests. Some being, gardening, landscaping, spontaneous road tripping along the coast and backroads of Montana. She enjoyed doing arts and crafts with her children and grandchildren, crocheting, whether making blankets, booties, winter hats or Christmas decorations for people. Velma thoroughly loved beach combing, collecting rocks she found that were unique. She enjoyed listening to different genres of music, spending time with her family and people that were special to her. Velma also enjoyed baking and making delicious meals from scratch. I don't think she ever truly followed a recipe so she could never duplicate any of her meals to a tee. If there was a potluck, her go to was, her famous taco salad or delicious potato salad that her mother taught her how to make.

Velma truly had a zest for life, and it showed in her every day. She was a kind, nurturing, outspoken, hardworking, genuine, charismatic, photogenic, generous lady who will be missed, but never forgotten. If you knew Velma then you know she had a heart of gold, a beautiful smile and infectious laugh!

Velma was ready to be reunited with her loved ones and to be with the lord. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Russell Peterson, mother, Margaret Ellen Newton (Peterson), brother, Russell Charles (Leslie) Peterson, and brother, David Glenn (Katarina) Peterson.

Velma is survived by her sister, Ellen (Peterson) Edward Robinson; daughter, Jennifer (Robert) Smylie, son, Glenn (Amanda) Jensen, son, Clint (Stephanie) Jensen; grandchildren, Haley, Dylan, Anika, Blake, Nick, Gunnar, Andrew, Kane, Jordan and Trevin; great-grandchildren, Natalie, Arthur, Silas, Remington, Bennett and David; nieces, Carly Robinson and her children, and Melanie Pool and her children; nephew, Erik Peterson and his family; plus too many other family members to name.

Velma enjoyed helping others and helping at The Kitty Moms Rescue located in Kalispell. Please when thinking of her reach out to Kitty Mom Rescue, your local animal shelter and any organization that gives back to those in need.

Velma was a true believer in Christ, and it showed in the way she helped her family, friends, strangers and animals. Velma attended Active Word Ministries, Christ Church and was Baptized in May 2019.

Please help her family by joining them at her celebration of life at 11 a.m. on Sept. 27 at Active Word Ministries, 172 Pine St., Columbia Falls, MT 59912.

The family of Velma would like to send a special thank you to all that have reached out and knew her.