Katherine Jensen

On July 7, 2026, Katherine “Katie” Jensen passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord at the extraordinary age of 106, leaving behind a lifetime of faith, love, encouragement, and unwavering devotion to family, friends, and the countless lives she touched.

Katie was born on February 14, 1920, in El Paso, Texas, to Bernard and Caroline Hendrick. A proud El Pasoan through and through, she graduated from Austin High School in 1937 where she played on the varsity tennis team. On March 23, 1940, Katie married the love of her life, Ronald K. Jensen. Together they built a family and raised two beautiful daughters, Carolyn Hull and Patti (Jim) Purcell.

Long before it was common for women to take to the skies, Katie pursued one of her greatest dreams by earning her private pilot’s license at 21 years old. Completing her first solo flight remained one of her most treasured accomplishments and reflected the determination and adventurous spirit that would define her life.

Katie began her first career at State National Bank, later Wells Fargo, where she faithfully served for 33 years until her retirement in 1986. Retirement simply opened the door to another calling. She joined the UTEP Track & Field program as its Administrative Secretary, where she quickly became much more than an employee. For the next 32 years, Miss Katie was affectionately known as the “Grandmother Away From Home” to student-athletes from around the world.

Every athlete who walked through the UTEP track office found a warm smile, a listening ear, words of encouragement, and the ever-present jar of cookies that welcomed them like family. Miss Katie celebrated every victory, comforted every disappointment, and loved each athlete as though they were her own. To hundreds of athletes and coaches, Miss Katie wasn’t simply the secretary—she was the heart of the program. She retired from her second career at the incredible age of 98, taking with her friendships that spanned continents and generations.

Miss Katie’s love for UTEP extended far beyond the track. She was a devoted Miner fan who faithfully held season tickets for UTEP football, and both men’s and women’s basketball. She proudly attended the very first football game played in the Sun Bowl in 1963 and was there to cheer on Coach Don Haskins and the legendary 1966 NCAA Championship team. Katie was one of the Miners’ most loyal and enthusiastic supporters, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer for her beloved Orange and Blue.

Katie never met a stranger, never hesitated to offer encouragement, and never stopped believing in the goodness and potential of others. To receive one of her hand knitted kitchen towels was to receive a gift stitched with love.

She leaves behind a legacy of love that includes Nellie and Lillie Ponikvar, who were like daughters to her; seven grandchildren: Ron (Holly) Hull, Jo Hull, Michelle (David) Fein, Stephanie Hull, Kim (Don) Ramey, Debbie Purcell, and Elizabeth Purcell; fourteen great-grandchildren; twenty-eight great-great-grandchildren; cherished friends and neighbors; and an extended family of coaches and athletes around the world.

While her family grieves her passing, they rejoice in knowing that she was welcomed into Heaven by those who have gone before; her parents, Bernard and Caroline Hendrick; her devoted husband, Ronnie; and her beloved daughters, Carolyn and Patti.

Her race was long, her course well run, and she crossed the finish line with grace, dignity, and a heart full of love.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23 (KJV)

Please join us as we celebrate a life well lived.

Monday, July 27, 2026

Funeraria del Angel – Hillcrest West

5054 Doniphan Drive

El Paso, TX 79932

•Rosary: 4:00 p.m.

•Visitation: 4:30–6:30 p.m.

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Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Keystone Heritage Park & Botanical Gardens

Outdoor Pavilion

4220 Doniphan Dr

El Paso, TX 79922

•Breakfast Reception: 9:00-10:30am

Family and friends are invited to gather for a casual breakfast reception to celebrate Katie’s life, share memories, and enjoy fellowship together.

Coffee, donuts, and kolaches will be served.

Funeral Mass

Saint Matthew Catholic Church

400 W. Sunset Road

El Paso, TX 79922

•Mass: 11:00 a.m.

Graveside Service

The Rite of Committal will immediately follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her honor to Gigi’s Playhouse El Paso. https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/9292b49a-8c5f-46db-8660-c7a5ba86f985?_gl=1*4io7o*_gcl_au*MTU3MjQzNTQ4Mi4xNzgzNzIwNDU0*_ga*MTg5Njk1NzgzNC4xNzgzNzIwNDU1*_ga_CVBL42Z351*czE3ODM3MjA0NTQkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODM3MjA0NTQkajYwJGwwJGgw