Vonda Henrie Christensen, age 96, passed away of natural causes on August 2, 2000 at her home in Ephraim, Utah.
Vonda was born on November 24, 1903 in Manti, Utah to Jerome and Thea Lund Henrie.
Prior to her marriage Vonda taught school in Manti, Bear River and Brigham City. She was married to Reuel E. Christensen September 12 1928, in the Manti Temple. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1978. Vonda was a great support to her husband who was prominent in local and state civic affairs and religious assignments.
Vonda served in many civic and church callings. She worked in leadership positions in every organization of the LDS Church, including Ward, Stake Relief Society President, teacher and chorister (for 25 years), and Mission Mother while her husband was President of the Great Lakes Mission (1956-61). She was also matron of the Manti Temple (1968-72) for 5 years while her husband was Temple President.
Reuel preceded her in death March 1, 1983. A son, Andrew, and a granddaughter, Laurie, also preceded her. She is survived by four children, Carol Gunderson (Jay), and Halbert (Carol) both of California, Kay (Diane) of Kansas City, Kansas, and Janet Williams (H. James) of Salt Lake City, UT and a daughter-in-law, Sandra Jorgensen Christensen of Ephraim; 25 grandchildren, 54 great- grandchildren, four great great-grandchil-dren; and two sisters, Ireta Strate of Parump, NV, and Martha Kenner of Salt Lake City.
The family wishes to extend thanks for the tender care given to their mother by Lee Hanson, Kathleen Deakin and Helen Perry as well as many of her grandchildren, one of whom came every afternoon to care for her.
Thanks are also given for the many kindnesses and compassionate services shown by ward and community members.
Funeral services will be held Monday, August 21, 2000, in the Ephraim 1st & 5th Ward building (10 So. Main St) at 10:30 a.m. A viewing will be held on Monday at 9 a.m. at the church prior to the services. Interment will be in the Ephraim Park Cemetery under the direction of Ursenbach Funeral Home.