Marie G. Jensen-Rustad, 96

Marie G. Jensen-Rustad, age 96, passed away Nov. 16, 2020, at St. Luke Extended Care. Marie was born at home on a farm in Douglas, N.D., on July 23, 1924, to Clarence and Bertha Walhood, the first of 11 children.

Marie loved to dance. It was at a barn dance that she first noticed Albert Jensen. They shared a dance and continued to dance together for the next 54 years.

The couple was married Sept. 24, 1942. They raised three boys, Allen, Clayton and Steven. They were her pride and joy. She loved their energy and joy and laughter. She even loved their mischief; after all, they got it from her. When the boys grew up and married, she welcomed her daughters-in-law with open arms. She was not only their mother-in-law; she was a true friend.

Marie always loved the Bible. She studied with Jehovah’s Witnesses, was able to form a real and lasting love for her heavenly father and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1954. She shared beautiful Bible truths with all who would listen.

In 1975 Marie and Albert retired in Polson. Their little house was always full of friends, laughter and grandchildren. Each grandchild, great-grandchild, and great-great-grandchild was cherished, celebrated and loved. Grandma Marie was always one of the first to welcome the babies.

She would examine them from head to toe, she would love them through and through, and she would make special memories with each one.

Sadly, Albert died in 1996. Although heartbroken, her faith sustained her. She went on to marry Norman Rustad, an old friend, and for seven years they shared many adventures together.

Marie was preceded in death by four brothers, two sisters, a grandson, a daughter-in-law and her husbands.

She is survived by her three sons, Allen Jensen, Clayton Jensen and his wife, Bonnie, and Steven Jensen and his wife, Faye; 13 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren; her brother Alfred Walhood; and her sisters Ida Nesson, Christine Irwin and Donna Goebel and their families.

Even though her family was large, she had so much love to share that she considered many others as her own family, adopting them as grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She left behind a legacy of love, family and faith. Over her 96 years she taught us it’s OK to be silly, it's OK to be your own person, and it's OK not to take things too seriously, as long as you remember the important things. She believed that one day those sleeping in death will be brought back to a paradise earth. How we look forward to reuniting with her.

Services were held Nov. 25. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.