Obituary: Christine Jensen, 78, of Hart

February 23, 2024

Christine Jensen

Obituary: Christine Jensen, 78, of Hart

Christine Louise Jensen, 78, passed away February 20, 2024, at the Oceana County Medical Care Facility in Hart. Chris was born November 27, 1945, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Dr. Benjamin Hawkins and Ruth (Benzon) Hawkins.

Chris is survived by: her husband of 57 years, David Jensen; their two sons, James David Jensen of Hart and Thomas Richard (Pam) Jensen of Gypsum, Colo.; brothers, Benjamin (Barb) Hawkins and Bradley (Cindy) Hawkins; and sister, Karen Hawkins.

Chris was preceded in death by: her parents; and brother, Lee Hawkins.

After graduating from Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati, Chris earned her bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University where she met David. She taught at Weare-Crystal school, then Ferry Community School where she became principal/superintendent after earning her master’s at Western Michigan University followed by a doctorate degree in 1995. Chris worked 13 years at Spitler Elementary in Hart before retiring in 2003 after 30 years in education. She then continued teaching an adult ESL class part time in Hart for Whitehall Schools until the COVID epidemic ended the program. Throughout her married life she worked in her spare time on their family farm east of Hart.

Chris was the first female member of the Hart Rotary club and its first woman president. She attended the Hart Methodist Church where she held several different church board positions. She served on the board of directors of the Oceana County Medical Care Facility the past six years.

Chris and her family were avid travelers visiting nearly all the states plus 41 countries during retirement. She especially enjoyed many trips to her favorite city, Paris, and winter stays in Vail.

Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Hart United Methodist Church, 308 South State Street, Hart, with a luncheon to follow in the fellowship hall. The family will receive friends Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in Chris’ name to Hart Rotary, PO Box 702, Hart, MI 49420, or the Hart United Methodist Church, 308 South State Street, Hart, MI 49420.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.