Rita Ann Jensen

August 14, 1950 – December 3, 2016

Born in 1950 in Flatwoods, Kentucky, to Raymond and Leta Elam, Rita was the second of three children. Her family moved from Flatwoods to Brevard County, Florida in 1961, and she graduated from Cocoa High School in 1968.

She and Gene were married in 1981 and raised a large blended family on Merritt Island. Her special vacation spot was Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

She had a very active and involved role in the nurture and care of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and extended family. Her greatest joy was being able to care for others. In doing so, she shared not only the love of the Lord but also the word of the Lord, prayed with them in their times of need, and continued to pray daily for them that His will would be done in their life.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, her brother and sister-in-law, Mike and June Elam and nephew, Michael Elam. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Lester “Gene” Jensen, and brother, Timmy Elam (Kelly) and their children, Nic, Madelaine, and Celeste, and niece Allison Peugh. Also surviving are Rita’s children, Sonya Whisenant and her children, Brandi, Jason and Katie, (Katie’s daughter, Haven); Amy Zinger and her children, Emily, Sylvia, and Ethan; Lori Huneycutt and her children, Carley (Carley’s sons, Jaxon and Carson), Pvt. Dylan Huneycutt, Sarah, and Troy; Brandi Huneycutt and her children, Alexis, Alivia, and Ayden; Jeffrey Jensen (Reina), their son, Hunter (Gena and daughter, Teiah) and daughter, Tori; Kristi Romero, her son Kallen; Ashley Jensen and his daughters Ashton and Morgan, and their mother, Stephanie and her son, Matthew.

A Memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, December 07, 2016 at Faith Presbyterian Church 1900 S. Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, Florida with calling hours from 1pm to 2pm followed by a Service. Reception will follow after service.