Melva Mae (Jensen) Hutchens

December 5, 1931 - December 17, 2017

In Loving memory of Melva Mae (Jensen) Hutchens (Bell), 86, an amazing wife, mother, grandmother & great grandmother who was committed to family and friends. She passed away peacefully with her daughter Laurie at her side, on December 17, 2017. Her illness took her strength, but not her spirit. She is survived by her husband James W. Hutchens, son Gene (Peggy) Jensen, daughter Abby Jensen, daughter Laurie (Joe) Jensen Vervaecke, son John Jensen, 3 grandsons Chris, Mark and Kyle and 3 granddaughters Diane, Ainsley and Caroline, a number of cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband Jay Jensen (Lt Pocatello Police), parents Harold & Hazel (Hill) Bell, brother Thayne, sisters Gertrude, Avis, June and Lynn and 2 granddaughters. Melva was born in Levant, KS. Her family moved to Idaho when she was young. They settled in Pocatello where she lived most of her life. Melva graduated for Pocatello High School in 1949. She worked for 20+ years as a bookkeeper for McLelland Lumber Company. She was a very creative lady and an avid painter. She taught painting classes in Pocatello for many years. When her husband Jay retired from the Pocatello Police department, they moved to Irwin, ID where they lived for 10 years. While in Irwin, she worked as the Postmaster in the Post Office. After Jay passed away (2000), she moved back to Pocatello. After several years she reconnected with Jim Hutchens, they have been married for 11 years. They enjoyed winters in Meadview, AZ and their home in Firth, ID. Melva has been living at The Abbington Senior Living & Memory Care Community Holladay in Salt Lake City, UT since May. Thanks to all the staff at The Abbington Senior Living & Memory Care Community Holladay & Brighton Home Health & Hospice for their care while Melva was in Utah. Cremation has already taken place at Premier Funeral Services in Salt Lake City, UT. Condolences may be shared at: www.premierfuneral.com/obituaries/ And – www.Legacy.com