Time For Memory

Lela M. Christensen

1921 - 2011

Lela Maxine Christensen, 89, of Sheridan, went home to be with her Lord Tuesday, February 15, 2011. The daughter of Peter and Esther Jensen, Lela was born December 3, 1921 in Edmore. A graduate of Edmore High School, Lela married Ronald Christensen on September 27, 1947. Together they began a loving life with each other that lasted over 60 years. Ron and Lela made their home in Sheridan for most of those 60 years. Lela had a number of jobs, as she worked at Alma's Ready-to-Wear Clothing Store in Greenville, sold Stanley products, and drove a motor route for The Daily News. At the age of 50, Lela went back to college and received her LPN degree from Montcalm Community College. She worked at a nursing home in Ionia, at Carson City Hospital, at the Sheridan Community Hospital, and at a hospital in Needles, CA. Although Lela was always a good employee, she was at her best raising a family. With her sense of humor and unique style of teaching her children a lesson, she raised her family. Her memory will be forever cherished by her five children, Bruce Brune of Dalles, OR, Suzanne and Don Sovereign of Sheridan, Kathy Bonnell of Mecosta, Chris and Martha Christensen of Menno, SD, and Ronda and Dan Smith of Carson City. Along with her children, Lela enjoyed her 18 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Ronald; two sisters, Beulah Jensen and Naomi Hansen-Christiansen; two brothers, Percy Jensen and Ferris Jensen; two grandchildren, Michael Brune and Angel Smith; and her daughter-in-law, Diane Brune. While Lela enjoyed a variety of activities, her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. Lela was full of life and loved to laugh and tell jokes. She was without a doubt the life of the party wherever she went. Memorial services will be held this Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 3:00 PM at Faith Lutheran Church, Sidney, with visitation from 2:00 to 3:00 PM prior to the service at church. Bernice Sorrels, Associate in Ministry, and the Rev. Philip Van Dop will serve as officiants. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lela's honor may be given to Faith Lutheran Church, Sheridan First Congregational Church- UCC, or Sparrow Hospice.

There are currently 21 condolences.

1 Wednesday February 27, 2013 at 6:38 AM
1

Joyce Rasmussen Berzins Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 12:50 PM
Suzanne,So sorry for you in the loss of your mother.She did enjoy life!I remember fun times with your family at St.Paul in Greenville and when Mary A. and I would go to Sheridan with your family. May God's love comfort you now and always.Joyce (Rasmussen) Berzins

Bob Christensen Wednesday February 23, 2011 at 8:58 AM
Chris and Family, My prayers and thoughts have been with you since I heard of your mother's death. I certainly have great memories of her quick wit. She loved to get a "rise" out of us! Your mother always made us feel welcome when we dropped in and out or just "hung out" even though I'm sure we upped her work load. She was a wonderful lady!!

Damon and Linda Alvey Tuesday February 22, 2011 at 12:17 PM
Chris and family, We are sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family with lasting memories during this difficult time.

Janice and Don Hotchkiss Tuesday February 22, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Chris and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Never is an easy thing to say goodby, but we know that will only be temporary. Blessings to you and your family and have a safe trip home. See you down the road. dh

Rob, Emily, Isaac, Ryan and Aydin Sunday February 20, 2011 at 6:39 PM
You will be greatly missed grandma. Sorry we couldn't come up more. I know the boys would have loved to meet you, and you could have taught them a lot. We will really miss all of your jokes and the way that you could make people laugh. We love you.

Mike, Summer and Kyle Koch Sunday February 20, 2011 at 6:35 PM
I will miss you grandma, especially all of your jokes and your orneriness,but most of all your church house window cookies.

Tom and Mary Barnwell Sunday February 20, 2011 at 6:16 PM
Kathy (stick)and Family Sorry about the loss of your Mother! Lela was a great lady and always full of laughter,Lela will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.We will always smile when we think of Lela!! Friends Tom and Mary Barnwell (989-831-4006)

Sheree Jones Miller Saturday February 19, 2011 at 3:23 PM
Ronda I wanted you to know how sorry I am for your loss. Your Friend Sheree Jones Miller

Kristi Schultz Friday February 18, 2011 at 10:56 AM
What a wonderful and full life your Mom has had! Very few people have the opportunity to meet their great grandchildren, much less great great grandchildren! God must have loved her very much to give her such a gift! What an inspiration to go back to college at age 50 to finish your training for a new career - what a neat lady! You have indeed been blessed to have her as a part of your lives. I wish you peace and comfort as you share your many memories of her. God bless you and keep you safe as you bid your mother and one another goodbye. Kristi Schultz Menno School Menno, SD

donna merritt Thursday February 17, 2011 at 6:48 PM
I am sorry to hear of your loss. May the Lord bring you comfort at this period in your life.

Frank and Lisa Toth(Crossroads) Thursday February 17, 2011 at 4:30 PM
Lela will be truly missed, we will never forget her here down at Crossroads. I always made sure my husband gave her a kiss when she and he was both there, :) Lela was so funny, I will NEVER forget her tatoo(the imaginary one of course). My prayers go out to all of her family.

Sue Johnson Thursday February 17, 2011 at 4:06 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Cindee and Tom Evenson Thursday February 17, 2011 at 11:28 AM
Dr. Chris, Martha and the rest of Lela's family, We are thinking of you at this time as you say goodbye to your mother. It sound like she was quite a lady!! Give thanks for a life well lived. God bless you at this time.

Bob and Betty Braman Thursday February 17, 2011 at 9:53 AM
Lela has been one of the most colorful people we've known. Bo has known her since 1960. I once wrote her a poem and called her Lela, what a Pelah, because she was a peeler. We remember her well, and remember you, her family, in our prayers. She made us laugh! Bob and Betty

Betsy and Keith Knodel Thursday February 17, 2011 at 8:46 AM
Dr. Chris, Martha, and family - Our sympathy is extended to you and your entire family on the loss of your mother. Although we didn't know your mother, she must have been a great woman to have raised such an incredible family. May God comfort you at this time with the knowledge that you will be reunited in Heaven some day and that she is resting in the hands of Jesus and free from all the suffering here on earth. -Betsy, Keith, and Shane

Karen & Ross Dolan Wednesday February 16, 2011 at 10:38 PM
Our thoughts are with you. Your mother lived a life of inspiration for all of us.

Lisa, Larry & Logan Klaudt Wednesday February 16, 2011 at 10:13 PM
Our sympathies to your family during your time of loss. Cherish the great memories you have of your mother- it sounds like she lived a life full of joy.

Sandi LaLone Wednesday February 16, 2011 at 8:21 PM
Dear Ronda and family, I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I worked with her at C.C.Hospital and had the pleasure of knowing her wit and great sense of humor. She will be deeply missed by any one who's lives she touched. This world is a better place because she was in it. May God be with you and your families and Bless you all. Sandi LaLone

Kent & Lorie Lehr & boys Wednesday February 16, 2011 at 7:25 PM
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Your mom sounded like a great lady!

Kay Smidt Wednesday February 16, 2011 at 4:31 PM
Although I never met Lela, I work as a teacherin Menn, South Dakota, where her son Chris is the superintendent. After reading Lela's obituary, I can see that one of Lela's legacies is that she passed on many of her virtues to her son!

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