Verna Barbara Christiansen

PAUL – Verna Barbara Christiansen, passed away on her 89th birthday, Thursday, January 12, 2017, surrounded by her family at Pomerelle Place in Burley.

Barbara was born January 12, 1928, in Arco, Idaho, to LeRoy and Verna Hansen Fullmer. She spent her youth in Howe, Idaho, then moved with her family to Blackfoot when she was nine. She had two older brothers, Darrell and Lynn; and two younger brothers, Mark and Frank; and a little sister, Nancy.

She was the first female student body president in her junior high. In high school she took piano and guitar lessons, but her real talent was her beautiful singing voice. She had a bubbly personality and said she giggled her way through high school.

During her senior year of high school she met Jim Christiansen, who was home on leave from the United States Army. They corresponded until his discharge and were married June 2, 1946, in Blackfoot, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They farmed in the Blackfoot and Moreland areas until they drew a homestead on the Northside Project of Rupert.

Barbara was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in the Relief Society and Primary organizations. She was a wonderful cook, raised a large garden, kept an immaculate yard with beautiful flowers, and worked alongside Jim on the farm. Even though her work kept her busy, she always found time to be a great friend to others. She truly loved to serve people and would often take food and offer other acts of service to those around her, even into her elderly years.

Barbara is survived by her son, Jim (Joyce) Christiansen; and their children, James (Jen), Stacey, Michael (Emma), and Kelli; her daughter, Connie (Steve) Ashcraft; and their children, Misty, Teague (Karlene), Blake (Brandy), and Chelsey; her daughter, Louise (Mike) Hale; and their children, Shawna (Eric), and Brindy; her daughter, Cindy (Garry) Coombs; and their children, Nikki (Troy), Cody (Christie), and Casey (Shaundra); 25 great-grandchildren; her brother, Mark Fullmer and sister, Nancy Palmer.

She was preceded in death by her late husband of 55 years and love of her life, Jim Christiansen; her parents; and three brothers, Darrell, Lynn, and Frank.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Paul LDS Stake Center, 424 W. Ellis St., in Paul, with Bishop Kerry Sanford officiating. Burial will follow at the Rupert Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. preceding the service at the church.

The family would like to acknowledge and appreciate the special and compassionate care given to Barbara by the staff of Pomerelle Place during her time spent there.