Jensen, Retha 1932-2026 St. Joseph, Mo.

Retha Gelene Jensen passed peacefully at Living Community on Feb. 1, 2026. Retha was born in Santa Rosa, Missouri, to Willie Rush and Iva Fisher. She was a sister to seven siblings.

Retha raised her family on her own while working full-time for 25 years at Burnham Simpson Insurance Agency as a secretary

Retha married Gary Holtsclaw and had her three children with him before divorce separated them. She later married Don Jensen, who preceded her in death in 2015.

She was a faithful member of Abundant Life Church of Christ.

Retha’s angel daughter, Renee, preceded her in death but never left her heart for one minute. As requested, she will be laid to rest next to her.

She is survived by Rick Holtsclaw (Elena Franco), of Kansas City/Colorado, and Becky Holtsclaw (Paul Gordon), of Colorado Springs, Colorado; as well as her dear nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel, where the family will receive friends one hour prior from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Emmaus Home, of Saint Charles, Missouri, (EmmausHome.org/donate) who provided years of comfort to Retha by taking loving care of Renee.

Please find Retha’s full obituary at www.heatonbowmansmith.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.