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Grandmother Wins Right To Bury Mesa County Boys, Funeral Plans Set

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP/CBS4) - A Mesa County judge is allowing the grandmother of two children who died after they were left alone in an SUV to bury the boys.

Diane Mathena wanted Tyler and William Jensen buried next to their father at the Palisade Cemetery, while the mother, Heather Jensen, wanted them cremated.

Authorities say 4-year-old Tyler and 2-year-old William were found unconscious after their mother left them alone in her SUV and they later died.

Heather Jensen
Heather Jensen (credit: Mesa County Sheriff)

Heather Jensen made her first appearance in court on Monday to be advised she faces two charges of child abuse resulting in death and criminally negligent homicide and one count of false reporting to authorities. Bond was set at $150,000.

RELATED: Mother Accused In Death Of 2 Sons Hears Charges Against Her

A public service for the boys will take place at 1 p.m. at the Palisade Funeral Home.

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