Marie Golda Jensen-Rustad

Marie G. Jensen-Rustad, age 96, passed away November 16, 2020 at St. Luke Extended Care. Marie was born at home on a farm in Douglas, North Dakota 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 were married September 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 MT. 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, Steven Jensen and his wife Faye, 13grandchildren, 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, 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 will be held Wednesday November 25, 2020 at 4:00 PM on Zoom. If you would like to attend, contact a family member for the meeting ID and Password.