DeVon and Zina Jensen

DeVon was born in Centerfield, Utah July 10, 1928, to Bert and LaVona Beck Jensen. The family resided in Centerfield and Salina, Utah and moved to San Francisco following the death of his father. The family later returned to Gunnison, Utah and it was there that DeVon met Zina Gribble. They were married in the Manti LDS Temple on July 16, 1948. DeVon began his career in a management training program for the J.C. Penny Co. in Richfield, Utah and in Pocatello, Idaho. In May 1955, he opened DeVon's Department Store in Gunnison, Utah which operated until 1964 during which time he also farmed and raised registered Hereford cattle. He was also involved in the community as a volunteer fireman, city councilman, president of the JayCee's, candidate for mayor and was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. In 1964 he moved to Nampa, Idaho to manage a second branch of the DEC'S Department Store chain of which he was a shareholder. He continued in civic service as a member of the Lion's Club and Good Samaritan Hospital Board. When the store closed in 1969, he changed careers and eventually opened Treasure Valley Computer Service Bureau. With the advent of the P.C. he became the Controller of Rolling Hills Orchards in Emmett where he retired after 12 years of service. DeVon was a faithful and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as bishop of the Nampa 5th and 7th Wards. He was called to be a member of the Stake Presidency in 1977 in the newly created Nampa Idaho South Stake. In 2000 he served with Zina in the Alaska, Anchorage Mission and later, in the Idaho, Boise Mission. They enjoyed serving as ordinance workers in the Boise LDS Temple.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father Allen Smith and son-in-law Bob Noble. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Zina, his children: Steve (Jone) Jensen, Nampa, Susan Noble, Kuna, Mike (Kit) Jensen, Nampa, Julie (Barrie) McKay, Fruit Heights, Utah, 23 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and his brother, Arlo (Doris) Jensen, Gunnision, Utah.