Jodell Hensen

Baker City, 1959-2019

Jodell Hensen, 60, of Baker City, died Oct. 25, 2019.

There will be a potluck celebration of her life from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at the Baker City Eagles Lodge, 2935 H St.

Jodell was born on June 4, 1959, at Nampa, Idaho, to Delwin and LaVonna (Hathaway) Lyons. She attended American Falls High School and graduated in 1978.

She married George Todd Hensen on April 23, 1983, at Elko, Nevada. Together they had three children.

She considered herself a domestic engineer, and while raising her children, she always welcomed their friends into her home. Because of her good nature and loving personality, the kids and their friends would always hang out at her house and thus she acquired the nickname “Mama Bear.”

The kids and their friends were her cubs and over the years she accumulated dozens of cubs who still called her Mama Bear.

Jodell had a way of touching the hearts of everyone she met. She always spoke what was on her mind, without any filters, so you always knew where you stood with her.

There was nothing fake about her and she pulled no punches no matter who it might hurt. She was a crafty lady who loved woodworking, crocheting, needlepoint, gardening, and taking care of her house plants. Most of all, she loved playing silly games with her grandsons. She was a member of the McEwen Church.

She was an amazing woman, mother, and wife and will be truly missed by all who knew her, family members said.

Survivors include her husband of 36 years, Todd Hensen of Baker City; her children, Zachariah Hensen, James Hensen, and Shelby Hurst, all of Baker City; her brother, Russell Lyons of Rudyard, Montana; and three grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Delwin and LaVonna Lyons; and her sister, Teena Lyons.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jodell Hensen Memorial Fund through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814, or through Old West Federal Credit Union. Family members extend their gratitude to those who have made contributions to help with Jodell’s final expenses.

To light a candle in memory of Jodell, or to leave a condolence for the family, go to www.grayswestco.com