Diane Swenson Jensen May 24, 1937 - August 21, 2026

Diane Swenson Jensen passed away on August 21, 2026, after a life filled with love, hard work, and the courage to pick herself up and overcome life’s hardships. She was determined to do what was right and never shied away from making difficult decisions.

Her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was raising her children (and that included Thad, a fact Dad would agree with). Her children were always her number one priority, and she made sure everyone knew it. In her later years, when asked to rank her kids, she would seriously  put Merril, a son-in-law, at number one, followed by Scott (her little boy), Dana (who was probably really number one), Julie (the responsible one), and then Mike (the middle child). What is it about the middle child?

All jokes aside, every one of us felt the depth of her love. She saw our potential and was relentless in reminding us of it. Speaking of which, she was also known for her strong will and, as her family would affectionately say, her bossy nature. She always denied being bossy, but her granddaughters would attest that she was never shy about sharing her thoughts with them. Her guidance—whether requested or not—was one of the many ways she showed her love and concern for those she cherished most.

She was born on May 24, 1937, in Spanish Fork, Utah, to Waldo G. and Ruby York Swenson. As one of seven children, she spent her childhood in Spanish Fork, where she developed the qualities that would make her a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She learned from the best through a heritage of strong women, including her sweet mother and Grandma York. Some of her favorite stories were about her childhood with her sister Sharlene. She would say that Sharlene was a bossy older sister, but we can only imagine what it was like for Grandma Swenson to deal with those two little girls (both bossy).

The family moved many times, including to Cedar City, Utah, before finally settling in Benjamin, just outside of Spanish Fork. She often talked about flying in Grandpa Swenson’s plane during some life-altering experiences. She loved all of her brothers and sisters, as well as her many uncles, aunts, and extended family members, and told story after story about them, including the seemingly never-ending family reunions. She loved introducing us to all of her relatives every year, forgetting that she had introduced them to us the year before.

Diane and her husband, Thad, celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary before his passing. Dad often said he was amazed that she stuck with him all those years. A 66-year marriage is a remarkable testament to the love, commitment, and devotion Diane and Thad shared.

By the way, Dad was a Democrat and Mom was a Republican. Just think what election time was like in our house. They were first married in 1953 and were later sealed in the Provo Utah Temple in 1998 with their children, including their first child, Robert Lynn, who passed away shortly after birth. Can you imagine what it must be like to be with him now?

Diane had many titles throughout her life, but the one she was most proud of was Grandma Jensen. Over the years, she attended countless wrestling tournaments, dance recitals, football games, marching band competitions, soccer games, and livestock shows. Grandma Jensen always had her pantry stocked with snacks and treats for her grandchildren. We always did our best to steal a bottle of her fresh raspberry jam and her sweet pickles. The middle child was lucky to get one.

Diane is survived by her children, Julie West (Merrill), Mike (Heidi), Scott (Chantel), and Dana Jensen (Rory); her 12 grandchildren; her 18 1/2 great-grandchildren; her two sisters, Kay Ream and Patty Baadsgaard; and her brother, Dean Swenson.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Waldo and Ruby Swenson; her husband, Thad Jensen; her son, Robert Lynn; her granddaughter, Shaelyn Robertson; her sister, Sharlene Money; and her brothers, Gary and Alan Swenson.

God sent an angel to walk among us, dressed not in wings, but as a mother.

We Love you Mom!

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah.

On Saturday, August 29, 2026, there will be a visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Walker Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Following the funeral service, the dedication of the grave will be held at Spanish Fork Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah.

After the Graveside services a luncheon will be provided by the Spanish Fork 8th Ward, 1006 East 200 South, Spanish Fork, Utah