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Shirley Christian Obituary
December 7, 1939 - January 14, 2023
Shirley was born in Stigler, OK on December 7, 1939 to May (Bond) and Roy Livsey. The family moved to California in the early 1940s living first in Corona, CA, where her dad worked for the Hershey Family. She loved the chocolate treats dad would bring home.
After making several trips over the Grapevine to visit family in the Lamont area, the family moved to the Larry Walker Farm, just east of Weedpatch, CA.
Shirley attended Vineland and Sunset Schools. She graduated from Arvin High School in 1958, along with her best friend, Mary Toy.
On January 17, 1958, she married her high school sweetheart, Harold Dean Christian. They were blessed with three sons, Kelly, Mike and Scott. Shirley enjoyed working part-time so that most of her time could be dedicated to taking care of her family. Her part-time employment included the City Hall of Arvin, All-Round Realty and Bear Mountain Hardware.
She was a devoted member of the Faith Temple Church in Bakersfield, CA for 12 years.
Shirley was blessed with 65 years of marriage and 52 years in the family home. She faced dementia with dignity, grace and that beautiful smile. She passed peacefully and comfortably in her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and May Livsey, and brother, Earl Livsey.
She is survived by her husband, Dean, three sons, Kelly (Pam), Mike (Lori) and Scott (Vincent), sister, Edna DeVries and brother, Carl Livsey (Carolyn), three grandsons, Brock, Ty and Jeffrey, and two great-granddaughters, Alexis and Calla, along with several loving nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Visitation is Monday, January 30, 2023 from 4:30 to 8pm at Basham Funeral Care, 3312 Niles St, Bakersfield. The memorial service is Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 10am also at Basham Funeral Care. Interment will follow at the South Kern Cemetery (Arvin).
www.bakersfield.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Christian
Sponsored by Basham Funeral Care - Bakersfield.
KEN WALKER
February 27, 2023
Originally met when her dad began working with my dad. We went to same schools & left upon graduating from Arvin HS in '57. What a tribute! It shows a family that knows & lives knowing Jesus Christ as Our Savior.
Darla Ash Holder
February 12, 2023
My Aunt Shirley, She was a beautiful woman, daughter , sister,wife,mother. My Aunt Shirley loved God and her family and friends. Shirley is my only biological Aunt and to say she is special is an understatement. I have so many memories with her and I have saved several things from my childhood she gave me. I love my Aunt Shirley and grateful my mom had her in her life for 80 years. Thank you Aunt Shirley for loving me and treating me and my son so kind. I love you.
Scott Christian
February 3, 2023
Here is a link to the tribute slideshow for our mom, Shirley Christian. The music was chosen by Dean Christian, her loving husband of 65 years. Rest in peace. mom.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZTcUTaGHWA
Melody Creel
January 27, 2023
Melody Creel
January 27, 2023
Melody Creel
January 27, 2023
Shirley had such a kind and Loving Heart. She Loved her family, she shared alot of stories with me. Cleve and I will always keep the Good Memories we share of Dust Bowl Days with her Family at the Sunset School. She holds a very special place in my Heart. I will miss her Dearly but I am so Blessed to have been her Friend. Keep the Good Memories close to your Hearts and it will lessen the Sarrow. Love Melody Creel and Cleve Henderson
Ann Reynolds
January 22, 2023
R I P Shirley. We were always friends in Vineland thru High school your picture is beautiful, I know you will be missed. Anna Hooten Reynolds.
Elaine Creed
January 21, 2023
My name is Elaine.
Shirley was my sister in law and was always loving and kind to me and my girls. She was one of the best cooks I've ever known. She always had a smile and a warm heart. Her family was her world with which she had GREAT pride in all of them. Never did I hear her say anything bad about anyone. She was a lady that truly cared about the people in her life. Shirley and Dean were the couple that everyone wanted to be like. They were great together!
Truly a lady that will be missed but always in our hearts. RIP Shirley
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