Ted Junior Tenney

Ted J. Tenney, age 79, of Tumwater, Washington, passed away February 22, 2015. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona on March 11, 1935. Ted was married to his sweetheart, Betty Tenney, for the best 57 years of his life. They were married in Ashland, Oregon on March 15, 1957.

Ted was a loving son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather throughout his life. He was an example and inspiration to his four children and the loves-of-their-lives; Lisa and Ray Matthews (Louisville, KY), Curtis Tenney and Kimberly Paige (Oceanside, CA), Briton Tenney (Olympia, WA), and Marla Tenney and Kirk Sommer (Arvada, CO). He was also adored and admired by all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ted was the much-loved youngest brother of his family. He is being met in heaven by his parents, Ted and Ferneth, his older brother Ed, his brother-in-law Alvin Lisonbee, and his nieces, Jana Lisonbee and Deanne Lisonbee Krieger. He treasured the time he spent with his remaining family; siblings Louise Lisonbee and Vernon Tenney, and his wife Elaine, and their families, his cousins, and the children of his brother, Ed Tenney, and his wife, Barbara Hayes.

At Ashland High School, Ted earned 14 varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was also the student body president. His positive spirit and consistent work ethic, earned him the treasured Most Inspirational Player which he shared with his close friend, Walt McCoy. During his senior season, he was named 1st Team All-Southern Oregon and Honorable Mention All-State in football and 2nd Team All- Southern Oregon in basketball. He completed his senior track season taking 3rd Place in the state in the high jump and helping lead the Ashland High team to a 3rd Place finish. This distinguished sports career culminated with being recognized as the best athlete in his high school.

As an avid believer in life-long learning, Ted earned both a bachelor’s degree in education from Southern Oregon College and a master’s degree in education from University of Oregon. Ted spent his first year of college at the University of Oregon, where he participated in football and track. When the opportunity arose to be a three-sport athlete closer to his hometown of Ashland, he “jumped” at the chance. There, he specialized in the high jump in track, started at half back and defensive back in football, and played guard in basketball.

Although Ted’s highly-competitive athletic days came to an end during his college years, he continued to have a strong passion for sports and the life-lessons they teach. He played in church and recreational leagues. He coached at the middle school, high school, youth, and church-league levels. He refereed football and basketball for over 20 years. He watched sports of all kinds and especially enjoyed games where he knew the competitors, but most of all, he loved to support his children and grandchildren whenever and in whatever they competed. Ted could be found in the stands cheering his family members on at countless swim meets, track meets, volleyball matches, soccer matches, softball games, baseball games, basketball games, and lacrosse games. The outcome of the contest never mattered, because it was always about the effort and the spirit of the competition.

He spent eight years as a teacher and coach, where he was a positive influence on both middle school and high school students. His sense of adventurousness led him far beyond Oregon to England, Turkey, and Germany where his students were lucky enough to be exposed to his incredible, infectious joy for life.

Upon returning to the United States, Ted seized the opportunity to begin a career in the insurance industry. There, he found his niche and thrived in what became a 20-year, second career. In 1985, Ted embarked on a 25-year, third career in a real estate partnership with Larry Brown.

Ted lived a life of service and spirituality as a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and displayed it through loving service, kindness, and thoughtfulness toward others. His cheerfulness and sense of humor endeared Ted to those blessed enough to have met him. He was a long-time member of the Olympia 2nd ward and currently in the Tumwater 1st ward.

And through almost 58 years, Ted was blessed to enjoy the love, laughter, support, consultation, and joy of the love of his life, Betty, and their wonderful, fun-loving family.

The memorial will be held at The Church of Jesus Chris of Latter Day Saints, 600 Overhulse Rd NW, Olympia, WA with the visitation service from 10:00 am – 10:45 am and the funeral service will begin at 11:00 am. The graveside service will follow at Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 5725 Littlerock Road SW, Tumwater, WA.