Pamela Jane Russell Jensen was released from her earthly home, after a short battle with cancer, on September 5th, 2022. Pam was born September 14, 1945, to Austin and Margaret Russell in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is the second child and oldest daughter of 10 remarkable Russell children.
Pam graduated from East High in SLC and then moved to Manti, where her parents bought and ran the Manti Motel on the north end of town. Manti is where she met the love of her life, Raymond Dee Jensen. She always said, “His beautiful blue eyes are what made my heart flutter.” They were married on December 10th, 1965, in the Manti Temple and started to build their family in Manti. Then years later, building a home in Sterling, UT, on the Jensen family farm. In 1984 Raymond, Pam, and the kids left their home on the Sterling farm and moved to the family’s second farm just south of Caliente, NV. They called Caliente their home for about 13 years. After selling that farm, they made their way to Grantsville, UT, and have been there since 1997.
Pam and Raymond served a full-time mission in Omaha, Nebraska mission from 2006-2008, serving the Indian nation. Pam served many roles in church callings from girls camp director, young women leader, teacher, relief society president, scout leader, and primary teacher. She loved every one of her callings and all those she served. So many of you have become her extended family. Pam served the community as president of the Republican party of Sanpete County and the president of the Saga of Sanpitch in the 80s for several years.
Pam is best known for her love of drawing and doodling. While living in Sterling, she would paint many of the storefront windows in Manti during the holidays. Drawing paper dolls for her granddaughters and primary kids and drawing greeting cards for family and friends brought her the most joy. She also published a children’s art book ‘Reverently Quietly’ and created a smartphone app called “Muddles.” But mostly, she was best known for making everyone feel important and loved.
Pam is survived by her husband of 57 years, Raymond Dee Jensen, and son Steven Dee (Nah) Jensen – So. Jordan, daughter Shaneen (Chip) Wintch – Ephraim, daughter Jane Higley – Grantsville. Bonus children Nendy (Steve) Kerr – Arizona, Jeff (Cathy) Newton – California, and Cynthia Newton – California.
Brothers and sisters Dennis Michael (Shirley) Russell, Stephanie Kvamme, Bryan (Charisse) Russell, Kathryn (George) Wouden, Melinda (Brant) Layton, Julane (William) Sullivan, Mark (Erin) Russell, Andrew (Kimberli) Russell, and Jonathan (Amy) Russell, 22 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by parents Austin & Margaret Russell, Sons Kent (1968) and KamRay (1967-1984).
A viewing will be held on Thursday, Sept. 15th, from 6-8 pm in Grantsville, UT Stake Center, 115 E Cherry Street. A family viewing will be held on Friday, Sept. 16th, from 3-4:30 pm, and Funeral Services directly after from 5-6 pm. Graveside services will be held in Sterling, UT cemetery on Saturday, Sept. 17th, at 11 am.
Pam loved to draw and send “Thinking of You” and birthday cards to those she knew and loved. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those reading this send your loved ones a “Thinking of You” or birthday card and always stay connected to your loved ones
Pamela Jane Russell Jensen
4 Comments
My condolences to Pam’s family because I know how very special she is. Pam has touched my life only for a short time and I will always hold her in my heart. Such a beautiful lady.
I have so many memories of the Russell family,,our avenue family. I have thought about Pam so many times because I love those years we had as kids. I love my Christmas cards that Pam painted and sent to me every year. I still have all of them. Pam you were so special in my life. Condolences to all of you.
So many wonderful memories come to mind but my favorite one with Aunt Pam was at Shaneen’s birthday party (I was around 4 years old) and I showed up with a present and when Aunt Pam came up to me to take the present from me to give to Shaneen I cried and wouldn’t let her have it because I thought it was for me! Aunt Pam very sweetly explained to me that it was Shaneen’s birthday and that all the children are supposed to give their presents to her to open. It was an eye opening day for me, and my first memory of Aunt Pam and Shaneen. My heart goes out to all the family, and it’s at times like this that remind us how truly precious life is, and the gift that it is from God. Blessings! Love, Sherri ~
I have fond memories of our family visiting my cousin Margaret and her husband Austin Russell and there I found a childhood cousin friend in Pam. Although our meetings were brief and occasional, I knew her as one of our Heavenly Parents choicest daughters. May your family find peace and feel the love of extended family members. Love, Elayne Johnson Brough
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