Ardath L. Jensen, age 80 of Davenport, Iowa, formerly of Big Rapids, passed away Saturday, May 15, 2009 at her home. She was born October 13, 1928 in Muskegon the daughter of Aaron and Nina (Lovejoy) Ryefield. Ardath graduated from Muskegon High School with an emphasis on business courses. Following graduation she worked for a trucking firm until marrying Laurence J. Jensen on April 17, 1949 in Muskegon. The young couple moved to Detroit where Larry attended the University of Detroit School of Dentistry School. Ardath began her "behind the scenes" life's work as the dedicated and wise business head of the family. She worked to put Larry through Dental School. When he established his own practice in Big Rapids she worked countless hours in the dental office and she nourished his interest in construction and development through many successful projects. Ardath enjoyed many friendships through her membership in Zonta International of Big Rapids and during the 35 years she worked at the dental office. She will always be lovingly remembered as "the rock" of their family by those she leaves to mourn, including her 2 sons, Mark (Deborah) Jensen of Flat Rock, AL, Larry Jay (Christa) Jensen of Windsor, NC; 2 daughters, Lois (Tony) Powers of Nashville, TN, Pat (David) Brasseur of Bettendorf, IA; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Eunice (Keith) Albers of Arkansas, Esther (Richard) Wheeley of Tampa, FL and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Ardath was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Laurence J. Jensen on October 30, 2008, one brother, Lawrence and 2 sisters, Betty and Joyce. Memorial services will take place 3:00 p.m. Friday, May 29th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Jon Fleming officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Ardath`s name may be made to Hospice of Michigan or the United Church of Big Rapids.