Susan Kay Jensen went home to the Lord on June 15, 2024, at the age of 78. She was blessed to have passed in the comfort of her own home surrounded by loved ones, thanks to her niece, Pam Hudson, who traveled from Colorado to act as her caretaker for the last three months of her life.

Susan was born Aug. 6, 1945, to Frederick and Gertrude Hudson in Des Moines, Iowa. When Sue was 2, her family moved to Creston, Iowa, where she would go on to graduate from Creston Community Schools in 1963. Susie stayed in contact with her class as she attended all of her class reunions in Creston. She was a well known tap dancer, lifeguard, competition high diver and cheerleader. Sue was always known to be the first person on stage to show off one of her many skills. Her passion for dance led her to then become a dance teacher.

Sue married her husband of 35 years, Doyle Jensen, and had their daughter, Dana Keller, on Feb. 2, 1964, and son, Kelly Jensen on July 4, 1968, in Iowa. Sue’s life revolved around her kids and family.

In 1970, Susan and Doyle packed up their 1968 Chevy pickup and traveled 1860 miles to their forever home, Centralia, Washington. Sue put all of her effort into being a mom to her children and all of their friends. She volunteered in numerous schools helping kids in any and all ways possible. In her kids’ teen years, she loved hosting YoungLife nights, being the cheerleading advisor, dance team coach and choreographer for the drama department at Centralia High School. She was sure to attend all of her kids’ games and events — no distance too far, weather too foul, or obligation more important than being present for her kids.

Sue loved spending time at Keller Creek riding quads, walking trails and beating anyone who dared to play against her in any game. She never met a card, dice or board game she didn’t love to play. Two of her grandkids, Ryan and Danika, were lucky enough to spend every day after school with her and have all of the sweet treats they could ever want. Ryan, Danika and her two older grandchildren, Brennan and Mason, never had to worry if they had a fan in the crowd. Without a doubt, Nana Sue would be watching diligently, cheering faithfully and praying continuously for all of their success.

While she loved her family endlessly, her church was also her family. She sang and danced every Sunday morning, always loudly proclaiming her love for Jesus.

While she fought a myriad of medical issues, she did it with kindness and dignity. On our many visits to various hospitals, health care providers always bragged to us of their favorite patient. She was our favorite patient, too.

She was preceded in death by her father, Frederick Hudson; her mother, Gertrude Hudson; brother, Koser Dean Hudson; and daughter, Dana Keller (Jensen), which brought her closer to death than any medical challenge ever could.

She is survived by her son, Kelly (Diane) Jensen, of Centralia; daughter-in-law Roni, (Gary) Jensen, of Centralia; son-in-law, Dennis Keller, of Napavine; grandsons, Brennan (Tara) Keller, Mason (Trisha) Keller and Ryan Jensen; and granddaughter, Danika Jensen; as well as great-grandsons Calvin Keller and Jameson Keller; and great-granddaughters Maggie Keller and Karalynn Keller.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. June 29 at her church, Grace Foursquare, 3030 Borst Ave., Centralia. The reception will follow immediately after at the church.

The family asks in lieu of flowers, donate to the Napavine High School Scholarship Foundation or to Lewis County YoungLife.