For 15 years, Jensen was employed by Central Utah Food Sharing, where her work ethic and compassion quickly became well known. While she was paid for her scheduled hours, Jensen consistently went far beyond them, donating an additional 30 to 40 hours each month as a volunteer. Even when budget cuts reduced her paid hours, her service never slowed. Instead, Jensen continued working — often putting in double the hours she was compensated for — because helping people in need was not just her job, but her passion.

Her impact extended well beyond the food bank. For six years, Jensen volunteered with Sub for Santa, a program dedicated to ensuring that children in the community experienced the joy of Christmas. Through her efforts, children whose parents could not afford gifts received toys and clothing, transforming what could have been a difficult holiday into one filled with hope and happiness.

At the same time she was supporting families through food assistance and holiday giving, Jensen was also shaping the lives of young people through Scouting. For 20 years, she served as a Girl Scout leader, mentoring girls at every level — Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes and Seniors. She also volunteered as the Sanpete County Service Unit Leader for three years, helping guide and support leaders and troops across the county.

Jensen’s dedication to youth continued alongside her husband, Gary, through the Boy Scouts of America. For more than 30 years, she served in leadership roles with Cub Scouts, Bear Scouts, Webelos and 11-year-old Scouts. Many in Fairview say there isn’t a boy in town who wasn’t helped, encouraged or guided by Gayle Jensen at some point along the trail.

Her leadership extended to high-level positions within the Boy Scouts of America, including 11-year-old chairperson, camping committee member, assistant Order of the Arrow advisor, and Eagle board committee member — roles that require countless hours of preparation, mentoring, and behind-the-scenes work.

Jensen laughs when recalling someone once telling her that Scouting was “only a one-hour-a-week calling.”

“How did I do all these things at the same time?” she said with a smile. “I must have been crazy!”

All of this service took place while Jensen was also raising two daughters, now adults, instilling in them the same values of service, responsibility, and compassion that have defined her own life.

The Fairview Shining Star Award recognizes more than a list of accomplishments — it honors a legacy. In celebrating Gayle Jensen, the community honors a woman who gave freely of her time, energy, and heart, ensuring that children were mentored, families were fed, and neighbors were never forgotten. Her light has truly helped Fairview shine.