MarJean Henson

Rose MarJean Smith Henson was born June 25, 1941, in Blackfoot, Idaho, to Jed and Mary Smith. She passed away on September 5, 2026, at the age of 85.

From the moment she was born, she was surrounded by family. Her three older brothers, Ron, Jerry, and Ralph, fiercely loved and protected their little sister throughout her life. The family later grew to include Jennie, Victor, Vada, David, and baby brother, Keith, who survived only a short time. As the oldest girl, MarJean naturally developed a “mother hen” personality that would serve her well when she later became a mother and grandmother.

Growing up during and in the years following World War II was not without its challenges.

MarJean often talked about living without indoor plumbing and the many moves her family made from one rental farm to another throughout Idaho and Montana.

No matter where the family moved, her father made sure the family piano came with them because he knew how much MarJean loved to play. All those moves took their toll, however, and the piano remains nearly impossible to keep in tune to this day.

As a teenager, MarJean’s family moved to the Jerome area, where she met the love of her life, Darrell George Henson. During her senior year, she attended both Jerome High School and Dietrich High School, where her picture remains on the wall to this day.

Not long after graduating, MarJean and Darrell married and headed to California to seek their fortune. Eventually, several of their siblings joined them there. In January 1962, they welcomed their first son, Dudley—although he would never claim to be a Californian.

Longing for Idaho, MarJean and Darrell packed up and returned to Jerome. Their second son, Christopher Troy, was born in July 1964.

MarJean and Darrell’s faith was an important part of the life they built together. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, strengthening their commitment to their marriage, their family, and their faith.

Darrell’s work in the furniture business eventually took the family to Twin Falls, where they lived on Wiseman Street, and later to Rupert, where they owned Darrell’s Furniture. MarJean often ran the store herself while Darrell worked several other jobs. At Christmastime, she put her artistic talents to work painting elaborate holiday displays on the windows of neighboring businesses.

Their third son, Andrew, joined the family in July 1970. With three growing boys and a small house in town, the family decided it was time for another move and settled on a farm near Castleford. MarJean especially enjoyed living just a mile from her parents. Life on the farm was busy and included gardening, picking berries, canning fruit, and raising and processing chickens. MarJean became particularly skilled at canning and preserving food for her family. Edward joined the family in January 1973, and C. Ty rounded out the family just days before MarJean’s birthday in June 1975. MarJean always enjoyed pointing out that her birthday fell exactly six months before—and six months after—Christmas.

As the mother of five growing boys, MarJean filled many roles: mother, teacher, cook, and, perhaps most often, referee. Her sons also learned their own excellent cooking skills from her.

Life on the farm could be difficult and demanding, but it was also filled with family, hard work, and memories that lasted a lifetime.

In 1983, MarJean received one of her favorite titles: Grandma. After raising five boys, she was delighted when her first grandchild, Angela, was a girl. Angela was not the only granddaughter for long, as Wendy soon joined the family. Over the years, MarJean would welcome 14 grandchildren and, eventually, 18 great-grandchildren.

In 1988, MarJean and Darrell made another major move, returning to Twin Falls. There, MarJean put her cooking skills to work at the nearby Twin Falls Care Center. As life began to slow down, she had more time for church activities and long drives with Darrell through the South Hills and many of their other favorite places.

After eight years in Twin Falls, MarJean and Darrell returned to Buhl, where they enjoyed their retirement years. MarJean spent countless hours tending her beautiful flowers and garden.

Their home became a refuge for their family and the setting for many treasured memories, especially for their grandchildren.

As MarJean and Darrell grew older, dementia and Alzheimer’s took their toll, and they spent their final years in a care facility in Twin Falls.

MarJean was preceded in death by many loved ones, including her husband, Darrell; her parents, Jed and Mary; her brothers, Jerry and Keith; and her sister, Vada.

She is survived by her siblings, Ron, Ralph, Jennie, Victor, and David; her five sons, Dudley (Reba), Troy (Lori), Andy, Ed, and Ty (Amber); her 14 grandchildren, Angela, Wendy, Stormi, Christopher, Misty, Zack, Dusty, Anna, Madison, Brianna, Mecco, Katie, Cody, and Joey; and her 18 great-grandchildren.

MarJean’s life was centered around her family. She was a mother to five boys, a grandmother and great-grandmother to many, a talented cook, gardener, artist, and piano player, and someone whose home became a gathering place for generations of her family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Farmer Funeral Chapel. A graveside service will follow at West End Cemetery. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on MarJean's memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.