Mildred Irene Moore Christensen, 97, of Idaho Falls, passed away December 14, 2018, at her son Van's home in Idaho Falls. She was under the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho.
Irene was born May 14, 1921, in Ririe, Idaho, to Ezra Moore and Violet Smith Moore. She grew up and attended school in Ririe and Midway High School in Menan.
On November 22, 1937, she married Archie Fred Christensen in Ririe, Idaho. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on September 10, 1947. To this union were born four children, Archie Lavoy "Bud", June, Tim, and Van. Irene and Archie made their home in Ririe, Idaho, where Irene was a homemaker, and helped Archie in the family service station for many years. She then worked as a teacher's aide for the Ririe School district.
She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she enjoyed working in the Primary for many years, in addition to being a Visiting Teacher. She enjoyed crocheting, needlepoint, cooking, and was a faithful journal writer. She took adult classes in typing and computers. She loved gardening and growing flowers.
Irene is survived by her daughter, June (Farrell) Bush of Lyman, ID; son, Tim (Tricia) Christensen of Rigby, ID; son, Van (Marie) Christensen of Idaho Falls, ID; 26 grandchildren and 88 great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a son, Archie Lavoy "Bud" Christensen, one sister and four brothers.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 22, 2018, at the Idaho Falls Brentwood Ward, 2040 Brentwood Drive, with Bishop Grant Stone officiating. The family will visit with friends from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery.
The original obituary and a video are posted here.
Just over a year ago, my Grandma was feeling a little down. Life had gotten hard for her. She had always been able to live on her own. But had been staying with my parents for around 5 months because her memory was starting to slip. She struggled a lot with that and worried we were going to forget the Grandma she had been years before. I was thinking about a way that I could cheer her up. I had the idea come to me to write Grandma a letter and give the sooky doll she made for me as a child. I want to post the letter here in tribute.
Dear Grandma,
When I stayed with you a couple of weeks ago, you said you didn't want me to remember you as your forgetful Grandma. I've thought about that quite a bit and wondered what I could do to help you realize you are much more to me than that.
As early as I can remember, I couldn't wait until I was old enough to get one of the precious dolls you sewed for us girls. I've treasured it all this time and have taken as good care of it as I could. I remember you saying grandpa helped stuff the arms and legs too, and that made it even more special. Every time I look at it, I think of you. I have some great memories from over the years.
I thought I'd list some of them;
- Visiting at the Holidays, especially Christmas, where you always had a delightful gift and a bag full of goodies on the small table in your back room.
- Coming for Sunday dinner and watching you cook on the wood-burning stove. I still can't believe anyone could do that. Dinner was always delicious, and if I remember right, we had a hot apple dessert with half, and half poured over it. Yummy!
- Of course, I won't forget the time you and grandpa took Barry and me camping. I think that was one of the times Barry and I got along, and we had such a fun time being out in nature with you.
- You always had so many games and toys for us to play with.
- You make some pretty hand-stitched towels that I have stashed away too.
These are all neat memories grandma, but the best memory that I will always cherish is the way you always made me feel important and loved and made sure we always got a hug on the way in the door and another on the way out. You've done the same with our kids, and they love you so much.
Thanks for always making me and our kids feel special. I love you Grandma. Hold on to this doll for a while. When you look at it, remember you are loved, and we have great memories of you!
Love, Celeste
Grandma was a special woman, and at her funeral, everyone who spoke chose to speak about her most significant attribute, kindness. I think all of the grandkids thought they were the favorite. She did the same with my kids, who adored her and will miss her. We are grateful for the beautiful memories we have. I'm so thankful our kids all got to know her.
In her final months, you could see life was taking its toll and was hard and frustrating for her. But, every time we walked in to see her she'd smile and grab our hands to say hello. I'm grateful for her example. I'm grateful she's back home with her husband and family. She'll be missed here for now, but I know we'll see her again. I'm sure she's in a beautiful place. I'll cherish the memories I have of you Grandma, until we meet again!
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| Sooky dolls Grandma made for each of her granddaughters. One was missing. Mine was the one on the left with the green ribbon. |
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