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Marco Callister Obituary

MARCO CALLISTER Marco Christensen Callister, 63-year resident of Las Vegas, and mother of former Nevada State Senator and City Councilman Matthew Callister, died peacefully, holding her son's hand, Oct. 7, 2010. She was 89. Marco met her husband, former attorney Robert Callister, in Las Vegas, and together they raised their five children here. A homemaker, she enjoyed the companionship of hundreds of friends, family and relatives in Las Vegas. Marco was the child of a jovial immigrant Danish carpenter, Christen N. Christensen, and a proper English mother, Edith Rushton. She was the granddaughter of Edwin and Sarah Robinson Rushton who were driven from their homes in Nauvoo, Ill., during the expulsion of Mormons there after their prophet, Joseph Smith, was martyred. As a young girl, she never forgot sitting on her grandmother's lap hearing about the unyielding testimony of their prophet. Marco has shared these memories with her three sons, two daughters and all 26 grandchildren. Raised in the "Roaring 20's," she was born Aug. 19, 1921, in Salt Lake City. Her father taught Sunday school to Mormon Church president, Gordon B. Hinckley. During the "Great Depression," Marco graduated from high school at age 15 and earned a degree in elementary education from the University of Utah at age 19. When World War II started, she gave up teaching in Salt Lake City and moved to San Francisco to work for United Airlines. Marco claimed "the most important spiritual moment of my life came when I drove my parents back to Palmyra, N.Y., to visit sights sacred to Mormon Church history." A few months later, she joined her two older brothers who had moved to the young town of Las Vegas to set up shop in the jewelry and upholstery businesses. "The town was so small that I got matched up with Robert Marshall Callister by three different people within days after his arrival here," she wrote. They married in the Salt Lake Temple, Oct. 17, 1947. He died one day before their 52nd wedding anniversary. Besides serving as a teacher, drama director and Relief Society president in the Mormon Church, Marco took great pleasure in attending a Sunday Night Study Group, two weekly institute classes, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Lone Mountain Camp and thousands of musical and dramatic productions throughout the valley. She is survived by her five children, attorney Daniel Q. (Janice) Callister of Palm Springs, Calif., Christene M. (Ronald) Reynolds of Las Vegas, Dr. Tracy Q. (Sheri Ann) Callister of Hendersonville, Tenn., attorney Matthew Q. (Jacki) Callister of Las Vegas, and Mara M. (Dennis) Maservy of Las Vegas; 26 grandchildren; one step-grandchild; and 29 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband; one granddaughter, Catherine Edith Callister; and all six siblings, M.J., Rush and Max Christensen, Ruth Wright, Faye Bromley and Beth Waldo. Viewing will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11, at Palm Mortuary, 7400 W. Cheyenne Ave. A second viewing will be from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, with her funeral service following at 1 p.m., both at the LDS Las Vegas Stake Center, 3400 W. Charleston Blvd., a chapel she proudly helped raise money to build over 50 years ago. Interment will be at Memory Gardens, 7251 W. Lone Mountain Road.

Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal from Oct. 9 to Oct. 11, 2010.
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Memories and Condolences
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Dear Christine and Family,
I apologize for being late in conveying my thoughts of caring and condolences to you. Your mother must have been an extraordinary woman because she and your father produced so many intelligent, strong and passionate children. Christine since we were little girls together, I have known and respected your incredible intellect; your caring, empathy and concern for others. You were far and away the smartest person in our class and yet your heart was so much greater. Some of this had to come from and be nurtured by your mother and the void left by her physical absence in your everyday life must be felt strongly. Yet I know your faith sustains you. Know that you are in my prayers and I send you a gentle hug.
Ginny McNeill Cebe

Ginny McNeill Cebe

October 26, 2010

Sorry, I hit the wrong key -- to continue -- Marco was so sweet to us, my sister Melody and I loved to visit. She was always completely engaged in life, smart and interesting. In case the first part was lost -- I love you all, you were good friends when we were growing up.

Alyce Wasden

October 15, 2010

I was one of Marco's "children". My 3 siblings and I were born the same years as 4 of her children and spent trunkloads of wonderful memories in her and Bob's home from grammar school thru the college years. She taught us many things, counseled us and involved us in so lots of her family's special activities. We always felt welcome there. Her living family is a testament to the great spiritual and academic mentor she was to each of us. With love,
R. Joseph Collet

Joe Collet

October 14, 2010

Marco was a wonderful friend and my husband and I had many great times together with Marco and Bob. My prayers are with her and her family. Barbara Gresham

barbara gresham

October 13, 2010

I was blessed with having Matt Callister in my journalism class at Hyde Park many years ago! Through him, I had a pleasure of meeting his mom Marco. What a wonderful example of a loving person she was. She made me always feel welcome; even babysat for me at times. With her patience, wisdom and winning smile, she was a mentor for many. With love and fond memories, Marge (Russo) Carroll

Marge Carroll

October 13, 2010

I had the priviledge of serving as Marco's Bishop in the Desert Shores Ward. Of the many wonderful people in that ward, she was certainly in a category of her own. How I loved her sincerity and spunk. I just found out today that she had passed-away and felt a deep sense of loss, even though I haven't seen her much in the past few years. She did, indeed, experience life to its fullest. My condolences to the family. And Marco, the world was a better place with you here. We'll miss you.

Gene Wright

October 12, 2010

Marco you always made everyone feel like family. You were so joyful and yet so tough and so smart-- no wonder your kids all turned out so great. It is an understatement to say you will be missed by many.

SaraBeth Morgan BROWN

October 11, 2010

I have known Marco since I was a very young girl. I remember playing at her house, and once - even accidentally set off her security alarm. She has always been such a great woman. I will always remember her.

Rebecca Estrada

October 11, 2010

I grew up with the Callister family in the old 9th ward, and will always remember her as a wonderful and caring woman. My deepest sympathies to the entire family....until you see her again.

Kelly (Meehan) Boan

October 11, 2010

I had the privilege of serving with Marco in the RS Presidency of the Desert Shores Ward when I was a young mom of about 23. She and Elaine (Kennedy), and Barbara(Neeley) taught me so very much about service, positive thinking and hard work. What a spry little lady! She always made me laugh and was full of energy and spoke her truth! I have a deep love for Marco, and now as a mother of 5, still am grateful for my opportunity to learn with her and her love for me. Much love to her family at this time. I can only imagine the rejoicing in heaven as she was greeted by her loved ones.

Jonelle Hughes

October 11, 2010

We lived in the Desert Shores Ward for 12 years, Marco was a dynamic, fun lady and had a great testimony of the gospel! She touched many lives and will be missed. WIth Love Karene and Chad Smith

Smith

October 11, 2010

Dear Callister and Christensen Clan: Jill and I are sorry to hear about your loss. Jill still remembers Bob calling from next door "Marco" when he wanted her. She was always full of love for those around her. We miss you all and are sorry we will be unable to attend the services. Love Jill and Gary

Gary Fabbi

October 10, 2010

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