Betty Mae Christiansen

Betty Mae Hansen Christiansen passed away February 24, 2010. She was born May 6, 1926, in Salem, Idaho to Chancy Hans and Edith Viola Forsgren Hansen. She was the oldest of five children. Raised in Lewisville, she learned the value of hard work and often talked of the teachings of her father as they labored in the fields. She valued her heritage and loved the land. She graduated from Midway High School in 1944 and went on to attend Utah State Agricultural College (now Utah State University) graduating in 1948 with a double bachelor’s degree in Home Economics and English. While at school, she met and married the love of her life, J Y Christiansen on December 20, 1946, in the Logan Utah Temple. She taught at Logan High School for a year while J Y completed his schooling. J Y’s work with the BIA took them to Idaho, New Mexico, Arizona, Washington and back to New Mexico as they worked together to raise their family. They worked as a team and supported each other in all things. Church and family were first and foremost in Betty’s life. After J Y retired in 1978, they moved to North Ogden, Utah so that they could be near the mountains and football for USU, BYU, and the U of U. After J Y’s death in 1993, Betty decided to move back to her parents homestead in Lewisville, Idaho. She felt an ongoing responsibility to watch over her children and grandchildren. She spent her final years under the loving care of daughter Susan. Betty was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served faithfully wherever called, her talents mostly being put to use in the Relief Society. She was an excellent seamstress and was known for her bread making, spudnuts for church bazaars and organizing church dinners. Betty and J Y were able to serve a mission to Roanoke, Virginia and especially loved the people of the outer banks of North Carolina. Betty lived a life full of hard work and service to others. One of her greatest challenges after losing her sight was her inability to continue to work and serve the way she wanted. Betty is survived by her children; Bradley J (Shirlee) Christiansen, of Kent, WA, Dale H. (Taffy) Christiansen, of Laveen, AZ, Marie (Edward) Winger, of Logan, UT, Susan (Bruce) Gardner, of Lewisville, Sisters: Bonnie Savage, of Hamer, Idaho, VeOna (Larry) Hendrickson, of Lewisville, a brother; Darrell (Lisa) Hansen, of Idaho Falls, 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; J Y, a sister; Joyce, and a granddaughter; Jacy, and a great-granddaughter; Jamie. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 1, 2010 at the Lewisville LDS Chapel with Bishop Jim Gneiting, conducting. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sunday and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., prior to services, both at the church. Burial will be in the Ben Lomond Cemetery in North Ogden, UT, on Monday, at 4:00 p.m., under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby. The family would appreciate memorial contributions to; Talking Book Service, 325 W. State St. Boise, ID 83702.