Deborah Sue Jensen

Deborah was born on April 2, 1952, in St. Joseph, Missouri. The daughter of Quentin Valentine and Mary Gertrude Parman. She was raised on their farm, tucked in between Stanberry and Darlington in northwestern Missouri. When she wasn’t riding horses or doing chores, her mom kept her active while Quentin worked as a farmer and for the newspaper in St. Joe. Mary taught her how to play the piano; however, Deborah preferred the flute. Young Deborah was involved in 4-H and Girl Scouts for most of her childhood and teenage years. Girl Scout camp was always a fond memory for her as both a camper and then later as a counselor. But as an only child, her fondest childhood memories were the time she spent with her many cousins.

Deborah graduated from Stanberry High School in 1970. After high school, Deborah went on to attend Northwest Missouri State University. It was at Northwest that she met her future husband, Ron Jensen. A blind date turned into over 50 years of marriage. Deborah married Ron Jensen on October 29, 1972. In 1973, Ron and Deborah welcomed their firstborn, Nathan Daniel into their family. 1974 proved to be an exciting year for Deborah as she graduated with a degree in Home Economics. The newlyweds then moved from Maryville to Kansas City, Missouri.

Her working career began at St. Luke's Hospital as a food buyer, where she made friends and continued to add to their young family. Andrew Scott was born in 1976 and just two years later in 1978 Michael Todd completed her family of five. Over the years Deborah worked stints as a WIC counselor and also worked several years at Essential Market Research. In 2000, she became a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at William Chrisman High School. In 2010, she retired to pursue being a full-time Grandma.

Her dedication to the Delta Zeta sorority was a prominent and cherished part of her life. Deborah was also actively involved in Great KCFCS and her local PEO chapter. Throughout the years, she faithfully volunteered in every church she attended, including playing the flute and singing in the choir.

Deborah and Ron stayed busy in their retirement years. They enjoyed traveling together, date nights at the theater, and attending their grandchildren's sporting events. Their house was a place where friends and family gathered. Deb was always thrilled to add another guest to the dinner table. Deborah loved walking her dogs. Not just for the exercise and fresh air but also an opportunity to meet the people in her neighborhood. She loved having conversations with just about anyone who crossed her path and saw the very best in everyone she encountered, radiating joy and positivity. She made every house a home with a bountiful garden, and the same care and creativity she poured into growing food carried into her kitchen. She shared her love of cooking with her family, creating memories and cultivating a love of the kitchen in the younger generations. She especially treasured time spent with her grandchildren.

Deborah is survived by her husband, Ron; her sons, Nathan (Stephanie), Andrew, and Michael (Kristin); and her grandchildren, Paige, Oliver, Creighton, Lauren, Nolan, and Ashley.

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, Quentin and Mary Parman.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at Raytown Christian Church, 6108 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, Missouri 64133, on May 16, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Memorial Service starting at 11:00 am.