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Kathryn Christensen Obituary

January 1, 1934 - June 4, 2012
Our beloved sister, wife, and mother, Kathryn Armstrong Christensen, died on June 4, 2012 surrounded by her husband and children. She was born to Curtis & Melba Armstrong in Ephraim, Utah on January 1, 1934. She grew up in Ephraim and graduated from both Ephraim High School and Snow College. She then attended Utah State University and graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in textiles and home economics.
Kathryn married her childhood sweetheart, Jay Christensen, in the Manti Temple in 1956. They spent their early married years in Salt Lake City where Kathryn taught at East High and Bryant Jr. High, supporting she and Jay while he attended medical school. Upon graduation in 1959, they moved to Fresno, California where they resided for 35 years. They had their first child, Laura, just four days after they arrived in Fresno. In the years that followed they also had three sons, Andrew, Curtis, and James.
Kathryn had a beautiful lyric soprano voice and performed in many operatic lead roles in high school, Snow College, and Utah State University. She had a passion for quilting and was active in many quilting groups. She won multiple blue ribbons at the California State Fairs. She was also an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) and served in Relief Society, Primary, Cub Scouts, Young Women, Family History, Sunday School, Fresno LDS Mission, and many other positions. She continued to share her musical talents in church choirs, vocal groups, and performed many solos throughout her life. She was a constant and devoted companion to Jay in his professional endeavors as a physician and in his many LDS leadership callings.
After Jay's retirement, they moved to their final home in the Salt Lake City area. In recent years, Kathryn enjoyed serving with Jay as an ordinance worker in the LDS Bountiful Temple and other callings.
Kathryn leaves a legacy of faith, service, and love to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by her husband, Jay and her four children, Laura (Mike) Duncan, Andrew (Jan), Curtis (Stacie), and James (Kerry), her 16 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and her wonderful friends. Kathryn is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Bill Armstrong. She is survived by her sister, Marjorie (William) Stringham and brother, Mark (Corinne) Armstrong.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 8, at 11:00am at the Fox Hill Ward located at 200 S. Eagle Ridge Blvd, North Salt Lake. A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 7 at the Larkin Funeral home at 6:00pm - 8:00pm located at 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City. A viewing will also be held on Friday, June 8 at the church from 9:30am - 10:30am prior to the services. Interment will follow on Saturday at the Ephraim City Cemetery at 1:00pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Jun. 6 to Jun. 7, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Kathryn Christensen

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Susie Mortensen

August 30, 2021

I still miss her laugh!

Susie Mortensen

June 16, 2012

Dear Kathryn, the world has darkened a little more because of Kathryb's passing. I'll miss her great laugh, her wonderful smile and her innate goodness . You always knew if you had Kathryn for a friend, that she would be loyal, frank and would never let you down. I'm glad she is out of pain and wish dear Jay our love . Susie Mortensen

Carol Westover

June 8, 2012

Kathryn will be missed by many. She was a talented lady, and was so generous and gracious to so many. p.s. Be sure to say hi to Gary when you see him.

Carol Cannon Westover (Fresno, Ca.)

June 8, 2012

I was in the temple yesterday and Sis. Urien told me about Kathryn's passing. I am so sorry. I always enjoyed her frankness and genuine conversation. She and Maxine Jones are probably having a wonderful time together. Sincerely, Kathy Johnson

Kandy Graves

June 7, 2012

James and Kerry and family,
We are so saddened by your loss but know your gospel perspective will bless you and keep you during this time of separation until you meet again.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Bruce and Kandy Graves

June 7, 2012

My heart breaks at the loss of my wonderful friend, Kathryn. In fact, she was more of a "sister" to me. When we were neighbors in Fresno, we visited EVERY day! Our children were great friends also and I want to express my sincere love to all of you!
I feel so bad that I can't be at the funeral as we have 3 months left of our mission. May you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love forever, Nancy Whetman (and Ron)

Frances (Shelton) Buchnoff

June 7, 2012

President Christensen: I will always remember Sister Christensen for her kind sweet spirit loving spirit. I enjoyed hearing her lovely voice and when she shared her many other talents with the sisters of the Fresno Stake. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Stephen & Maureen Olsen

June 7, 2012

We had the privilege of meeting Kathryn at James' wedding to our dear friend Kerry. Such a gracious lady, and we feel very honored to have known her for such a brief moment. Our love to the Christensen family. May you sing with the angels and give those in your new home the blessing of hearing your gift of voice in song.

June 7, 2012

We are sad to learn of Kathryn's passsing and know she will be missed by many. We have wonderful memories of times spent with you, Jay, and Kathryn, in Fresno and we appreciate both of your fine examples of love and service.
Our love and prayers are with you and your family.
Wolf & Julie Muelleck

Marilyn Perkins

June 7, 2012

Kathryn was such a wonderfull addition to our extended Peterson family when she married my cousin, Jay. Our family would drop in on Jay, Kathryn and Laura in Fresno on our way to Southern California for a visit with my grandparents in Southern California. Kathryn was always so welcoming and sweet, and would always have delicious food to serve our big family. She was a joy to be around.

Kerry L Christensen

June 7, 2012

Mom, I love you so much and it is an honor and the greatest blessing of my life to be married and sealed to your son, James. For whatever reason, our paths were not meant to cross for very long on this Earth, but knowing we have eternity to get to know each other better makes me happy! You will always be a part of my heart and my life. [And remember to shape up our kids (your grand-children) BEFORE they get here ;). It'd be MUCH appreciated.] WE LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!!!!!

Gay and Stan Jones

June 7, 2012

We weep with you, Jay and family, over the passing of Kathryn, this dear, spirited woman. We send our love. Kathryn was sweet and loving, she was a great example to us all. Gay and Stan Jones

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