Bernice Florence Jehnsen, 95, went home to be with Jesus on Dec. 7, 2022. She was born June 5, 1927, in Stephen, Minnesota, to Lawrence and Agnes Kujava. When she was 5 years old the family moved to Clark County, Washington, where she lived for most of her life.
Bernice was married to James Dudder Sr., who passed away in 1963. She then raised their five children on her own while studying nursing. She worked as a nurses aid and later as an in-home caregiver with CDM services.
In 1967, she married Roy Jehnsen whom she had known since childhood. He was an amazing man who loved her dearly and welcomed her children as his own. She enjoyed reading, quilting, gardening, music and spending time with friends. Her door was always open to those in need. She attended and has been a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Brush Prairie for many years. She loved to be part of and volunteered her time at the Pomeroy Living History Farm in Yacolt.
She is survived by her children James Dudder Jr., of Yacolt, Joyce Dudder, of Snohomish, Jeanette Hammack, of La Center, and Julia Keisala Smith (Chris), of Olympia; 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren; and brothers Lawrence Kujava, of Amboy, Washington, and John Kujava (Alene), of Azalea, Oregon; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Roy, brother Robert Kujava, son Joseph Dudder and grandson James Pederson.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Jan. 6, 2023, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 12919 NE 159th St., Brush Prairie, Washington. A short burial at the church will be followed by a sharing of memories and a potluck lunch. The service will be live streamed online at www.bethelbrushprairie.org for those unable to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations to Pomeroy Living History Farm may be made in Bernice’s honor.
