Ruth Anna Jensen, age 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 20, 2021, at home. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Ronald Neil Jensen. Ruth was born in Fairport, NY, to the late N. Maxwell and Ruth (Pulver) Humphrey and was a Hampton resident for 56 years. She graduated from Cornell University in 1949 with a BS in Human Ecology and continued post graduate studies at the University of Iowa.

After graduation, Ruth traveled in Europe, then returned to the states to work as a dietician at The John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. In 1959, she met and married Ron, and they lived and worked in various locations on both coasts before settling in VA to raise their two children. Ruth was passionate about numerous political, social, and environmental causes and volunteered with many local groups. She believed that all citizens should vote and be educated about the issues and candidates. Ruth volunteered tirelessly canvassing neighborhoods and working the polls. Her involvement with community organizations led to her appointment as a Hampton School Board member. During her six-year tenure on the school board, she rose to the level of Vice Chair. Ruth was also an active volunteer with the Hampton Roads Civic Ballet Company. After Ron’s retirement, Ruth enjoyed accompanying him as he pursued his love of painting.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Rebecca A. Karatsikis (John) of Yorktown, VA; son, Peter N. Jensen (Dr. Orlena Cheng) of Clarksville, MD; four grandchildren, Dr. Alexa K. Vinson (Braxton) of Richmond, VA, Sophia K. Ruiz (Bradley) of Virginia Beach, VA, Andrew M. Cheng and Kai M. Jensen of Clarksville, MD; three great-grandchildren, Luca Ruiz, Zoe Ruiz, and Theodore Vinson; sister, Mary Helen Jaruzel of Penfield, NY and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Margaret Smith and T/Sgt Paul Humphrey of Penfield, NY. The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers of Bayada Home Health Care and Riverside Hospice for their care and support.

Interment took place at Peninsula Memorial Park. Services were private.

Memorial donations may be made in Ruth’s name to the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank.

Arrangements were under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.