Mareta was a traveler, teacher, author, actress, historian, quilter (all her descendants have at least one of her quilts), crocheter, Pathfinder Master Guide, computer whiz, lifeguard, pinochle player, dinosaur hunter, artist, museum guide and storyteller extraordinaire.
Mareta Ardis Jensen Brusett passed away November 25, 2021 in Jordan with family at her side. She was born May 2, 1930, in Lebanon, Kansas. Mareta was the fourth of nine children born to Marenus and Ella (Klindt) Jensen. Her dad was a pastor, they moved often and with such a big family, she could only take one suitcase with her at each move. Perhaps it was this early practice that caused her to value relationships and experiences more than possessions. Her family traveled to one new adventure destination each year and she kept that up throughout her life. In high school, a favorite song was Bing Crosby’s “Far Away Places.” “I’m burnin’ to see those far away places with strange-soundin’ names, that are callin’, callin’ me.” Mareta traveled to all 50 states, six continents, “too many countries to count,” and around the world three times.
Mareta started first grade at age eight but spent the days helping her classmates since she’d already read the complete 20 volume Book of Knowledge at age six. Around the same time, she asked how babies were made and was referred to her mother and daddy’s nursing textbooks.
Mareta attended Valley Grande Academy in Weslaco, Texas and was the yearbook editor. While attending Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska she was editor of the school newspaper, the “Clocktower.” She majored in English and graduated with honors. At Union, she met Harold Brusett from Brusett, Montana. She noticed him right away because he was tall, had curly blonde hair and drove a red convertible. He convinced her to skip classes to go to basketball games. Daydreams of horseback riding into the sunset caused her to say “yes” to a life in Montana. Mareta’s daddy was officiant at their wedding in 1952 and included in the vows a promise that she would come home to visit once a year. She only missed twice (the summers Randy and Bonnie were born). When Mareta and Harold got to Montana, they lived with Ed and Helen Brusett for the first year then in Kenneth and Ruth Butts’ bunkhouse while they taught school and saved money to buy cattle and land.
Mareta taught at the Green Ridge school starting in 1952, then Blackfoot school, then in Broadview, then back to Green Ridge, and Garfield County High School in Jordan from 1966 until she retired in 1996. She was affectionately known as “Ma” to her students. She taught English, history, journalism, photography, and was the librarian. She was faculty sponsor for the “Sagebrush Saga,” the school newspaper, and yearbook, the “Remuda.”
For the birth of daughter Tara, Mareta’s own mother was the delivery room nurse and commented that Mareta was the most cheerful and smiling laboring patient she’d ever seen. Mareta chose to make the best of any situation and only complained when dealt a bad pinochle hand.
Mareta was a partner in the Hell Creek Marina and enjoyed spending time at the cabin, often loading up grandkids in her white Subaru hatchback to go to the lake. Her voice was strong and clear while telling stories around the campfire and people in neighboring cabins could enjoy the stories too!
She was a founding member of the following: Blackfoot Home Demonstration Club, Garfield County Historical Society, and the Big Dry Players. She wrote many skits featuring the Golden Girls and always played Rose. She was integral in bringing the Missoula Children’s Theater to Jordan. She served on the Fort Peck Interpretive Center and Missouri River Country Tourism Boards, was a Montana Book of the Year judge, and a member of at least two card clubs at all times.
Mareta collected hundreds of cookbooks but never referred to them when making vegetable soup or date cookies. She collected elephants, mostly from her travels, but also gifts from family and friends.
She loved well and was well-loved. Mareta wrote in her autobiography, “I hope my children learned to care for and be tolerant of other people. And to trust in God that things will work out all right in the end.”
Mareta was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, parents, Marenus and Ella Jensen, a son, Corwin, sisters Vivian Birch, Donna Palmer, Ramona McNabb, and a brother, Dale Jensen. She is survived by her brother, Don Jensen, sisters, Charlotte Lang (Orville), Connie Stutchman, and Diana Roberts, children, Tara Eddy (Dan), Randy Brusett (Sharon), and Bonnie Cooley, grandchildren, Brittani Tooke (Robert), Tierani Brusett, Cortani Martin (DJ), Kyra Pinango (Henry), Laif Eddy, Jennifer Ericson (Bobby), and John Cooley (Presley), great-grandchildren Taelynn Ericson, Bellani Martin, Baine Martin, Roan Tooke, Tiago Pinango, Remi Tooke, Vivian Pinango, John Robert Ericson, Bray Martin, Jude Cooley, Bryer Martin and Eliana Pinango.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be to the Big Dry Players, P.O. Box 262, Jordan, MT 59337 to support the Missoula Children’s Theatre; Garfield County Volunteer Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 6, Jordan, MT 59337, or to the charity of one’s choice. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the V.F.W. Hall in Jordan. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Potluck Luncheon During
VFW Hall
Jordan, Montana 59337
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Potluck Luncheon During
VFW Hall
Jordan, Montana 59337
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John & Jenny Frady says
I so sorry for the family lost , May her soul rest in peace
Irene Trogden says
I am so sorry for your loss. Such a wonderful lady.
Jeana M Bliss says
To all of the Brusett Families, our hearts and prayers are with you all at this time. She was a very special teacher (dadgum it!) And a wonderful woman in general. She will be truly missed.
Jeana, Matt and the family
Tom & Claudia Stanton says
Condolences to Mareta’s Family. She was a very nice lady. God Be With You All in your time of sorrow.
Debbie Weyer says
Prayers for all of Maretta’s family and friends. DEATH leaves a heartache no one can heal, LOVE leaves a memory no one can steal.
Karen Barnes says
My sympathy to all of Mareta’s family – you surely lost a good one. May all your good memories be a comfort to you at this difficult time. She will always be remembered for her quick and inquisitive mind, her love of playing cards and her love of traveling. God Bless all of you.
Alvin and gloria shawver says
She will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with the family.
Cindy Stanton says
To Mareta’s family- I’m so sorry for your loss. She was a great and influential teacher. She’s part of the reason that I have a love of photography. Her enthusiasm was contagious. She was kind and straight forward and treated us kids like adults. She seemed so brave and was so intelligent. She will be missed. You’re all in my thoughts & prayers.
Sandie Green says
So very sorry for your loss – your mom was an amazing lady and inspired me to do better at school! Prayers for you all!
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and Prayers for all of Mareta’s family May you find comfort in all of your memories and in Gods Love God Blessall of you.
Myron & Mary Beth Kibler says
Bonnie, Randy & Sharon, Papa Don, Mareta’s sisters, nieces, nephews, grand kids, all of her family & those who are considered family…..The whole Jordan area community. Everyone will miss her spunky spirit and personality. She sure made a huge impact on everyone who crossed her path. I was thinking that she and Harold enjoyed a Happy Thanksgiving in Heaven and what a wonderful reunion that has to be! May all of your wonderful memories and the knowledge of just how loved and respected she was to everyone who knew her, bring you comfort at this time. Myron & Mary Beth
Sandi Gavin says
I am so sorry for your loss. Ma will be missed.
Mike and Teddy Landers says
Dear Bonnie and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Ma was one of those ladies that belonged to everyone. I can’t remember a time that she wasn’t working on or delegating a community event. We are truly blessed just having known her. Our love and prayers are with you all.
Patricia LaMoure says
Sorry to hear of Your mother’s Passing. She was a special lady and will be greatly missed. Prayers to you all
Cheri and Tim Hafla says
Tara,Randy, Bonnie and Families,
So sorry to hear about Mareta, she was such a wonderful person, had lots of laughs with her. May she Rest In Peace.
Jim Carter says
To all of the Brusett my deepest sympathy. Mareta was a special person. A very positive influence on my life at a young age she always had a smile and something positive to say. But she was one of a kind regardless whether she was teaching school, being a part of the church, supporting the mustang pride with all of her might. God bless all of the Brusett’s 🙏
Mildred West says
We are so sorry to hear about Mareta, hugs and prayers for the family.
Carri K says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Ma was the absolute salt of the Earth. She will be greatly missed!
Julie Dandrea says
So sorry for your loss. Prayer to all Mareta’s family.
Julie and Brian Dandrea
Megan Lunak says
I am sending my deepest condolences and prayers to the Brusett family.
Rita Wemmer says
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for all the families. ♥️♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻
Andrea and Justin Pluhar says
We are so sorry for your loss. Ma was a great teacher and our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Colleen Butler says
My heart goes out to all of you. I have so many fond memories of Mareta from as far back as I can remember. She was a truly remarkable lady and meant so much to so many. Sending my love to you.
Roxie Burrows says
All of my Hugs and Prayers to the entire Brusett family and OUR community. She was one amazing lady. I will forever cherish all she gave me.
Sally ness says
She was a joy to be with. I learned so much from her. She will be missed by all. Loved her so much. My thoughts and prayers to all
Connie and Jim Blonigen says
To Mareta’s family – We are sorry to hear of Mareta’s passing. May the many wonderful memories you have of time spent with her bring you comfort during this sad and difficult time.
Marian Watt says
So sorry to hear this, Condolences to her family…..She was a wonderful person, Have missed her this year and pinochle ……..She has touched so many lives……….She will be missed.
Ginger & Arnie Weber says
So sorry to hear your of your loss of a beautiful lady! She will be missed. Love visiting with her when I would come to Jordan to visit my mom. God be with you all and give you comfort at this time.
Paul & Roanna Timmins says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Brusett family. Aunt Mareta will surely be missed. The instigator and energizer for family reunions, trips, games, and pretty much all things FUN and educational. We Love You All and especially Love the way you cared for and doted on our auntie!
❤️Paul and Roanna
Michael Krikorian says
My goodness – there are not enough words to express the impact Ma had on me.
I’m grateful for her influence & guidance in my life.
May your memories provide a lifetime of comfort & stories as you celebrate her, her life & legacy.
Michael Krikorian & family
Gary & Jill Trefz says
Aunt Mareta ~ You will be missed.
You were so smart, loving, well traveled. I loved the way you laughed, played games to win and the way you loved your family.
Our thoughts and prayers go to your family and friends as they navigate life without you. But, you have left us all with so many memories!! We know we will see you again.
Lovingly,
Gary, Jill, JD & Jessica
Cynthia Gregg-Hope says
So sad to hear the loss of Mareta. She was an integral part of my early life. I treasure all the memories of time spent with her at GCHS. She was a connection to the outside world that fueled endless day dreams of world travel and adventure. May she be on the biggest adventure ever. Prayers to those left behind.
Chase Mury says
Sorry For your loss ! Prayers and hugs to you and your family Bonnie!
Rhonda Daniel says
What an amazing person she was! Ma taught us so much. She stood with us, and had an extra ordinary way of reaching us, helping us learn in spite of ourselves. She was much loved and will be deeply missed. My heart goes out to you.
Kathy Brown says
Miss you Aunt Mareta, but I can only amagine the Jensen reunion going on up in Heaven. I know you all are watching over us. My prayers are with family still here on earth but I know we will see you again.💗 Love Kat
Roger Nack says
Good morning Tara and family.
So sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. She is not going to suffer with anything again. Resting in the Lord is a good thing.
Sharon O’Brien Kelly says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Mareta’s family. We know how loved she was by all who knew her. A very inspiring lady with all her world travels and her many accomplishments; and always with a ready smile. Sending you our love at this sad time. – Sharon and Brian O’Brien Kelly xx
Deb Bartholomew and Family says
Families of Mareta
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs to you all. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. She will always be a Treasure in your hearts and not forgotten. Treasure all your memories as they will help get you thru difficult days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mark Weeding says
Mareta’s smile, laughter and optimism were uplifting and inspiring for me and many others who walked the halls of Garfield County High. She was always ready to engage in deeper conversations and inspired me to take a wide angle look on life and other peoples religions and political situations. This part of Mareta lives in me and makes the world a better/kinder place.
Blessings, Mark Weeding
Kathleen Harper says
Mareta was one of those rare, precious jewels who made you feel like family, even if you hadn’t seen her in donkey years – always ready to make you feel at home. I’ll never forget Mareta’s hospitality when I arrived, unannounced, up at Hell Creek Marina, and she insisted I stay in her family’s cabin, instead of sleeping outside with the stars and rattlesnakes. Meeting up with Mareta and her family in Hobart, Tasmania was icing on the cake,on my walk-about through Australia. Mareta’s historical knowledge and humor made her the ultimate tour guide, as we explored the surrounding countryside. When I was a youngster, I thought our family was related to the Brusett and Eddy family – that is how much their love was always freely given – without question. Thank you. They say death is like “a blink of the eye” and I hope it is true, for I know Mareta is anxious to explore the heavenly realms with her beloved family and friends. Our hearts and prayers are with you all.
Arnetta Harper-Sheehy & Rich Sheehy says
We’re so very sad to hear the news of Mareta’s passing. She was such an inspiration and beautiful person inside and out with a lovely, warm smile. She was full of fun and seemed always up for an adventure of any kind; especially a trip to somewhere interesting! Mareta will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew her.. You all are in our thoughts and prayers
DJ & Gloria Rath Milroy says
An awesome lady and an inspiration. Our condolences with all of Mareta’s loved ones.
Joyce J Bateman says
Like many of my classmates who have shared memories here, Mareta was a true inspiration to me in high school. I worked with her on the school paper and the yearbook. Those lessons of sticking with a project and meeting the deadline shaped my attitude throughout college, work and beyond. Long after I graduated high school, she found me an extra yearbook when mine was water damaged. She drove one of the first Subaru hatchbacks and could really tear up the gravel roads. She was such a joy to be around. I will miss her. Bless the family.
Marion Peeler says
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a good person and I know she will be greatly missed.
Anneke Valles and Family says
Such huge loss. Grateful to have met Mareta a few times. What a beautiful person. Wishing so much love and peace to the her family.