Thelma Bowen Christensen

HEYBURN – Thelma Bowen Christensen, 96, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, with her sister, Ida May, by her side.

Thelma was born Dec. 4, 1916, in Unity, Idaho, to Daniel and Ida E. Tueller Bowen. She was the oldest of 10 children. She married Lund E. Christensen on June 6, 1940, in the Logan Utah LDS Temple, and they enjoyed 66 years together until his passing on Jan. 7, 2007.

Thelma was a loving and supportive wife, mother, and grandmother. She worked hard on the family farm, tended a large vegetable garden, and grew beautiful flowers. She bottled fruits and jellies, and was famous for her homemade chocolates, divinity, and peanut brittle. Thelma had a talent for sewing, knitting, quilting, and crocheting beautiful things, especially blankets for family members. Her laugh, her hugs, her quick wit, and humor endeared her to her family members, and she will be missed.

Thelma was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in various callings. Prior to her marriage, Thelma served a mission in the Southern States Mission. After raising their children, she and Lund served a mission for the Church in Lagos, Nigeria. They also served as workers in the Boise Idaho Temple.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lund Christensen; son, Lyle Christensen; granddaughters, Bridget Christensen and Jennifer Christensen; great granddaughter, Lizzy Christensen; son-in-law, Jay Sumpter; three brothers, Willard Bowen, Lewis Bowen, and Myron Bowen; two sisters, Lorna Call and Dona Bodily; and brothers-in-law, Jack Bodily, Ned Huber, and Erik Johnson.

Thelma is survived by two sons, Ellis (Estela) Christensen of West Jordan, Utah, and Kim (Tyna) Christensen of Rupert, Idaho; one daughter, Margo Ann Sumpter of Salem, Oregon; a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Christensen of Heyburn, Idaho; 20 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren, and more on the way; brother, Daniel (Carol) Bowen of Pocatello, Idaho; sisters, Ruby Huber of Burley, Idaho, Elna Johnson of Riverton, Utah, and Ida May ( Gerald) Thornley of Weston, Idaho; and sisters-in-law, Elma Bowen, Betty Bowen, and Jeanine Bowen.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 21, at the Heyburn Ward LDS Church (the former Paul 3rd and 4th Ward Church), 300 S. 500 W., of Heyburn, with Bishop Brett Thomas officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Heyburn

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday, May 20, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:40 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

We thank Warren House of Burley, and Intermountain Homecare and their staff members who lovingly cared for and gave comfort to our Mom, during recent weeks of declining health. In lieu of flowers, please extend your hand to someone in need.