Our beloved mother, Maxine Faye Beckstead Jensen, peacefully completed her earthly journey on October 20, 2018 at the age of 98. She was born on December 14, 1919 in Provo, Utah to Estelle Chipman and Wesley Roland Beckstead. She was the oldest of three children. Her childhood is punctuated with vivid memories, her love of chocolate, music and of course dancing.
Mom grew up in the Salt Lake Valley for most of her life and was a graduate of East High School at age 16. She attended the University of Utah for two years. In 1940, she began working for Zion’s Saving Bank and Trust Company and met fellow employee, Grant Snow Jensen. Mom and Dad were married in the Salt Lake Temple, September 29, 1943. They enjoyed 67 years of marriage living in Salt Lake. Mom loved her five children, Jerrold, Douglas, Jacqueline, Marilyn (deceased) and Jane.
Starting in the early 1940s at Saltair, Dad and Mom danced on every dance floor the Salt Lake Valley had to offer, and when Salt Lake started running out of dance floors they moved that passion to every cruise ship Mom could find. Dancing and traveling were a way of life for mom, they brought her great pleasure. Mom and Dad would always go out Saturday nights to dance at the MAC (Murray Arts Center). They have taken many dance lessons and have won several dance competitions. She also traveled to many wonderful places world-wide. Besides dancing and traveling, Mom loved tennis, bowling and riding her bike.
Mom served as a Primary teacher, a Sunday School teacher, a Primary chorister and pianist. She taught Relief Society Social Relations and Cultural Refinement lessons for nine years. Mom and Dad served as Stake Dance Directors for ten years and at one time served as Stake, Regional and Area Directors at the same time.
Mom had an overwhelming passion for life. She was known for her vivacious outgoing personality, cheerful nature, positive attitude, smiling face and strength.
The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the Brighton Hospice nurses and the Ridge Cottonwood Senior Living Center who went above and beyond expectations for her comfort and care.
Maxine is survived by her children, sons Jerrold (Marjorie) Jensen and Douglas (Sherilee) Jensen, daughters Jacqueline (Douglas) Thacker and Jane (Ronald) Poulton, son-in-law, William Brady, 30 grandchildren and 70 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Grant Snow Jensen and daughter, Marilyn Brady.
A viewing will be held for family and friends on Wednesday, October 24th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and Thursday, October 25th from 10:00am to 10:45am at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary and Cemetery, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. The funeral service will be held Thursday, October 25th at 11:00am at the same location. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
Enjoy Dancing in Heaven, MOM!!!
