Suzanne Ball Christen

Suzanne Ball Christen, 35 of Clarksburg, MD died at her home August 27, 2014. Suzanne had fought for more than seven years with Stage IV Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). While she wasn't expected to survive much more than a year or two, she fought diligently through various treatments to spend more time with her husband and family. Suzanne was born October 23, 1978 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to L. Wade Ball and Dorothy Hill Ball of Lewisville Idaho. She graduated as an honors student from Rigby High School in 1997. She later earned an Associates degree from Ricks College in 1999 and her Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Development and Elementary Education in December 2001 from BYU. Suzanne was sealed to her husband Kurt Russell Christen in the Idaho Falls Temple in December 2001. She started teaching second grade in Springville Utah in 2002. In 2003 she took a job working at Challenger School in Orem where she taught until the spring of 2005 when her husband graduated from college. In 2004 she gave birth to her son Kyle Christen. Kurt and Suzanne subsequently moved to Nampa Idaho where she chose to be a stay-at-home mother and her husband began teaching high school. Suzanne had a 20 week miscarriage of Joshua Christen in 2006. The following year she gave birth to Russell Kent Christen and was diagnosed with cancer the following month. After treatment her cancer went into remission. In August 2008 Kurt joined the Navy and the family moved to Chesapeake, Virginia. In August 2009 she gave birth to Keith. The following month Kurt and Suzanne adopted Julianne. In December 2009 it was discovered her cancer had returned. Subsequent cancer therapy was performed in hopes she could live a cancer free life and see her children raised. Therapy continued until she passed in August of 2014. Suzanne had a remarkable ability to bring sunshine into the lives of those around her. She gave love and was loved by many. She shared her musical talent by singing in Ricks College and BYU Women’s’ Choir, playing the violin in the Idaho Falls Youth Symphony, and played the piano. Suzanne demonstrated a genuine interest in others. She always asked others about themselves and rarely forgot an important date. She was a faithful member of the LDS church and diligently taught her children those same values. She fought valiantly and will be missed by all who were privileged to know her. Suzanne is survived by her: Husband: Kurt Children: Kyle, Russell, Keith, and Julianne, Parents: Wade and Dorothy Ball Siblings: Kevin Ball, LeAnn Hansen, Bradley Ball, and Ryan Ball. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Lewisville LDS Chapel, 474 N. 3450 East in Lewisville. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 W. Main St. in Rigby, and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Saturday prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Lewisville Cemetery.