Frances Helen Ayers was born 29 November 1918 in the Sand Hills of Nebraska at Merriman, the daughter of Harry and Winifred (Crowe) Ayers. Her earthly journey ended shortly before midnight, 26 May 2012 at the age of 93 years.


When her mother died in 1930, Frances lived with her sister, Bernice, (Mrs. E. W. "Red" Ward) while she attended school in Merriman. Frances became a bookkeeper, and was employed by the U. S. Army at Atlanta, Georgia during World War II. She was married to Maurice Jensen on 26 October 1945 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Maurice had recently returned from overseas duty as a Lieutenant with the U. S. Army. They lived at Martin, Rapid City, Sanator (south of Custer), and moved to Hot Springs, South Dakota in 1960 where she remained for the rest of her life. They were the parents of three children.


When her children were established in the Hot Springs schools Frances returned to work as a bookkeeper for Brown Swiss Milk company and later for Eddie and Clara Clay's Land Abstract office in Hot Springs. She continued working until her health made employment difficult, however she remained active all of her life. She enjoyed many hobbies including sewing, painting pictures in both oil and acrylics, stained glass and woodcraft. As the years passed her physical health reduced her craft activities, but had no effect on her mental ability. She enjoyed reading books of all kinds, read much of current affairs and maintained a strong interest in her nation, state and community. She was a member of the Veteran's of Foreign War Auxiliary, Hospital Auxiliary, and Medical Auxiliary of South Hills. Frances also was a long time member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed working with support groups of her Church during her retirement and continued her interest in the teachings of her Church.


She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a stillborn child, six brothers and two sisters. She is survived by her son Brian Jensen and wife Dana of Lake City, Florida; her son Colonel Craig Jensen, US Air Force retired, and wife Debbie of Cheney, Washington; grandson Brandon Jensen of Seattle, Washington; and granddaughter Kellie Reeves of Lake City, Florida. Frances will be remembered and missed by a great number of nephews, nieces, cousins, and a wide circle of friends.

Visitation will be held at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 31, 2012, with Eastern Star Funeral Rites at 6:30 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 1, 2012 at United Churches in Hot Springs, with Pastor Clint Walker officiating.

Burial will be in the Black Hills National Cemetery at Sturgis, SD, with her husband, at 3:00 p.m., Friday, June 1, 2012.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Frances' name to benefit the Hot Springs United Churches Youth Programs.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.