Norma Elaine Jensen-DeGonzague, 79

Norma Elaine Jensen-DeGonzague (née Smith), 79, passed away on July 11, 2021, surrounded by family, at the Canyon Vista Medical Center in Sierra Vista, AZ. She was born and raised in Ainsworth and resided there for several years before relocating to Arizona.

Norma was born on May 18, 1942, to Howard and Stella Smith. She graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1961 and married her first husband, Donald Jensen, in Ainsworth in 1962. She and Don were blessed with two children, Michael and Lisa.

After her marriage to Don ended in 1974, Norma joined the U.S. Army and proudly served in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). Upon completing military training, she arrived at Fort Huachuca, AZ, which became her first and only duty assignment. After the arrival of her third child, Holly, Norma transitioned from active duty to the U.S. Army Reserves, where she served for several years before separating from military service. She then began a long and distinguished career in federal service at Fort Huachuca while simultaneously attending college and obtaining two associate’s degrees.

Norma married the love of her life, John “Ronald” DeGonzague, in 1995. She and Ron had many happy years together prior to his passing earlier this year. They enjoyed extensive travel across the country, often sharing their adventures with good friends.

A dedicated supporter of multiple veterans groups, Norma had the distinction of becoming the first female to hold the position of Commander of the American Legion post in Sierra Vista. She was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and became the first female member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Benson, AZ.

Norma will be remembered as a woman of generosity with a fun spirit and a side of feistiness, a gal who packed a big heart into a tiny body. Her friends and family will affectionately remember her for her uninhibited and straightforward nature—a trait that sometimes took others by surprise but endeared her to all who knew her.

Norma enjoyed spending many a Saturday morning hitting the garage sales, forever lured by the bargains to be had. She rounded things out with her middle-of-the-night QVC purchases when insomnia set in. As a result of her passion for finding a good deal, she leaves behind a hell of a lot of stuff for her children, who have no idea what to do with it. There’s no question that she loved “her stuff,” but her greatest joy in life was family. Seeing all of her children and grandchildren grow into who they were supposed to be brought her a tremendous sense of pride and happiness.

Norma is survived by her son, Michael Jensen of Bennington, NE; daughters, Lisa McClellen and Holly Jensen, both of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren, Rylee McClellen, Arianna Criner and Garon Criner, all of Tucson; son-in-law, Paul Criner of Tucson; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She also leaves behind her beloved rescue dog Rusty, who provided her with unwavering comfort and companionship during her illness.

Preceding Norma in death were her husband, Ron; parents, Howard and Stella; stepfather, Dale Gelsinger; brother, Keith Smith; sister, Audrey “Susie” Allen; and son-in-law, Gordon McClellen.

A private committal service with military honors was held on Friday, July 16, at the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista, with interment and a celebration of Norma’s life immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to either the American Legion Post 52 (Sierra Vista) or to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.