Colleen Joyce Jensen (“Cokie”), 69, of Sidney, Montana, passed away in the early morning hours of April 8, 2026, after a long and courageous struggle with MS.

Colleen was born on July 28, 1956, in Sidney, Montana, to Curtis and Corrine (Vanderhoof) Jensen. She was baptized on September 9, 1956, at Pella Lutheran Church in Sidney and confirmed on May 2, 1971, at Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive. She graduated from Dawson County High School in Glendive with the Class of 1974 and attended Dawson Community College.

Throughout her life, Colleen was dedicated to serving others. As a young woman, she was a Campfire Girl, a Candy Striper, and a Sunday School teacher. She generously shared her time and talents through projects such as making blankets for the Linus Project, sewing clothes for the Dress-A-Doll program, creating prayer shawls, knitting caps for cancer patients, and crafting stocking hats for newborns.

Colleen began her career at the Dawson County Treasurer’s Office and later worked as a telephone operator for Mountain Bell in Glendive and Billings. She returned to Glendive to work with Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative before moving back to Billings, where she worked briefly as a poultry inspector for the USDA. She later found her niche as a budget analyst with USDA Wildlife Services, where she enjoyed her work—but worked mainly to support her crafting hobbies.

Colleen had a deep love for creativity and learning. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, reading, and treasure hunting at garage sales. She also enjoyed collecting ideas on Pinterest. A gifted teacher, she shared her skills with many, especially enjoying paper piecing in quilting. She was also the family historian, researching genealogy, keeping track of births, marriages and tracing our family roots.

Her greatest joy was her family. Colleen took a special interest in the lives of younger generations, often welcoming them into her home and showering them with love and handmade gifts.

Colleen is survived by her sisters: Carla (Kevin) Rasmussen of Shepherd, Montana; Christi (Jeff) Madsen and Connie Jensen (Doug Johnson) of Savage, Montana; her nieces and nephews; Sari Pfennig, Janna Vojacek, Alicia Haralson, Jill Verhasselt, Cally Smith, Cody and Kyle Smith, Tanner, Taite and Ryder Rasmussen; 11 great-nieces and 9 great-nephews; dozens of cousins; her faithful friend, Debi Redlich; and the many caregivers, residents, and friends who became her chosen family over the years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents, Jens and Amanda Jensen, and Danny and Bertie Vanderhoof; and an infant nephew.

Thank You