Minnie Belle Jenson (Yates)


Minnie Belle “Peggy” Jenson, 71, of Vermontville, died June 5, 2017 in Lansing.  She was born in Porthsmouth, Ohio on January 18, 1946 to Drew and Violet (Sparks) Yates. She moved to this area in 1968, following her sister’s family, and began working at the Townhouse restaurant. Minnie was well known as a great waitress who took excellent care of her customers at Sharon’s Café and the Charlotte Country Club. She was a caring, loving person, very understanding and compassionate, while always working hard and setting an excellent example and giving great advice to her friends and family. Minnie was known for her great memory and the love for her children and grandson.

Minnie is survived by her son, Michael Payne; daughter, Melissa Jenson; son-in-law, Eric; and her grandson, Jericho, who was the apple of her eye; and very special friend, Barb Powers.

She was predeceased by her husband, Neil Jenson in 1986; significant other, Ivan Suntken in 2011; sisters, Helen Jordan and Linda Back; brothers, Lee Yates, Robert Yates, and Clifford (Tick) Yates; several nephews and a niece.

A celebration of Minnie’s life will be held on Sunday, June 11, at 3 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation is prior to the service on Sunday, from 1 to 3 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Minnie on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.