1952 ~ 2003
A woman with the biggest heart in the world passed away while sleeping Thursday, August 7, 2003. Char Billings, sweet wife, loving mother, nurse, therapist, fearless desert guide, and girlfriend extraordinaire has left us far too soon.
Born March 26, 1952 to Vernon and Winona Christensen, the baby sister everyone wanted. She grew up playing in the orchards of West Provo, on the banks of the Provo River, and the shores of Utah Lake. The Christensens lived on the corner of 7th North and 7th West, Provo, and in 1962 they moved next door into a home her father built and lovingly crafted. She married her best friend, Todd Billings, Dec 18, 1980 after being together everyday for three years and deciding they were a perfect match. Todd and Char bought her family home in 1990 and once again she walked in footsteps she had made as a child.
Never sitting still, Char was active in the GAA at Provo High School and was Athlete of the Year, 1970. She fulfilled many callings in the LDS church, most of them in the Young Women's camping programs. She was also a volunteer for the BSA, having received a heroism award and the Provo Peak award. Char was a nurse for IHC on the pediatric and psychiatric floors. She was also a nurse for Dr.'s Freestone and Griffiths. Many patients have been touched by her kind, capable hands.
Char's father and brother taught her the hidden joys of Utah's west deserts that she shared many times over the years freely with friends and also as a professional guide. She knew the back roads of most of the mountains around the valley and climbed Timpanogos many times from a very young age. Her greatest joys were the gifts of her two boys. Todd and Char waited long to be blessed with Jason and Micah and no one has loved their children more.
Char was renowned in the 1980s for slide shows that she put together with photographs she had taken. A steady hand and a sharp eye made for beautiful compositions. She took wedding and engagement pictures for family and friends.
The last few years of her life Char chose to follow her own spiritual path. Her studies and work with her patients in the field of Bio-Feedback and meditation gave her peace and fulfillment. She was a Reiki Master and gifted in healing in so many ways.
Char has been greeted on the other side by her father, Vernon; and brother, Phillip. She leaves behind Todd, Jason Micah; mother, Winona; sisters, Nanette, LeAnn; brother, Chris; numerous nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law; many friends; and the Yayas.
Viewing Berg Mortuary, Provo, 185 E. Center St, Tues. Aug 12, 6-8 p.m. Funeral Wed. Aug 13, 2003, 11 a.m. Amelia Earhart Elementary School, Provo, 2585 W. 200 S. Friends and family may also call at the school Wed. one hour prior to services.