Betty Jo Christensen Tonge

Betty Jo Christensen Tonge "She is more precious than rubies..." 1/13/1932 ~ 4/7/2009 My Bride, our Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Cousin, Aunt, and Friend, Betty Jo Christensen Tonge, returned to Heavenly Father on April 7, 2009 after a short, valiant and painful battle with Lung and Bone Cancer. She passed away holding the hand of her devoted husband, daughter and granddaughter. She was born in Salt Lake City on January 13, 1932 to Joe L. and Susan Worthen Ellis Christensen. She graduated from West High School. She attended LDS Business College. She married her sweetheart, L. Glen Tonge, on August 4, 1952 in the Salt Lake Temple. She dearly loved her eternal sweetheart of over 57 years. Betty Jo was an inspiration to us of all good things. She was happy and outgoing. Her positive attitude is her great legacy. She was a great example of loving everyone unconditionally and was a friend to all. Her mission president said "Why can't all sister missionaries be like Sister Tonge." Betty Jo was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a testimony of the restored gospel. She served missions with her husband in the Iowa Des Moines Mission, Seoul Korea Temple. She served several part-time missions to the Church Office. She also was a Ward and Stake Missionary. She enjoyed being an ordinance worker in the Bountiful Utah Temple. Over the years she served in the Primary, Relief Society, Young Woman's Organization and MANY, MANY, MANY music positions. The Spirit of Heavenly Father was present whenever she played the piano and organ. Her husband and family always came first in her thoughts, deeds and actions. She enjoyed spending time and going on outings with her family, and the special moments she had with her sweetheart, her Charlie Brown. She made birthdays and holidays magical. She was so supportive and was always there for her family. She was their best "cheerleader." She was generous with her talents and taught her husband, children, grandchildren and many others how to play the piano. She nurtured a love of music to her family. She was a music connoisseur. One of her favorite traditions was the families annual Messiah Sing In. She enjoyed the atmosphere and endured University of Utah football games to be with her family. She loved genealogy and was working on their family history book, The Family Tree, with her husband. She took time to enjoy life and gift shops! Betty Jo had many dear friends who loved her and she loved them. She continually thought of others and was gracious and kind to everyone. She was a light to our lives. She is survived by her husband Glen; daughter Julie, (Ray) Hilton; daughter Marjorie Tonge-Mac-Donald (Dan); son Matthew (Catherine) Tonge; 15 grandchildren and soon to be 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Sue Christensen, her sister Colleen and son Joseph Tonge. Funeral services will held Monday, April 13, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Chapel Park Ward building at 2285 South 200 West, Bountiful, Utah. A viewing will be held Sunday, April 12, 2009 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at Bountiful City Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com The family wishes to thank Hospice Community Nursing Service Staff who cared for our mother, Jocelyn Christie, Steve Dobin (Chaplain), Geri Adler and Abi Williams.