BERNICE CHRISTENSEN WOODS

Like her older brothers and younger sister, Bernice Christensen Woods was born in a rural home with no electricity situated on an unpaved road in the Easton, CA area. Her hardworking parents were Niels and Anna Olesen. Both sets of grandparents were Danish immigrants who lived a mile away in the close knit Danish American community. Bernice attended Bowles Elementary School and Washington Union High School where she was active in many clubs and had perfect attendance. She worked at the Sun Maid Fresno raisin plant where she assembled "penny packs" and during the war years assisted the front office, helped with their Victory Gardens, and promoted war bonds at Hammer Field. At Sun Maid she met grower Wallace Christensen. They married in 1944, and moved to his home town of Kingsburg, CA. Two children, Roger and Diane, were born. Bernice loved Kingsburg and her new friends as much as she loved her family. She designed a country home in 1959, where she loved to cook, garden, and host family gatherings. Her ability to graciously entertain with flair was legendary. In addition to being a busy homemaker, she played bridge, square danced, was a founding member and first president of the Y's Mennettes, served a term as PTA president, and taught Sunday School at Concordia Lutheran Church. She was the statuesque lady who sold cosmetics for 35 years at Model Drug until she suffered a stroke. Widowed in 1965, she also managed her own ranch and spent many an hour cultivating her flower gardens. In 1972, she married Don Woods. In 2009, her retired son, Roger, moved back to Kingsburg to be her caretaker and companion. All across many Kingsburg communities, she is remembered as an elegant, loyal, energetic, and witty beauty who treated everyone as a dear friend. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Diane Kornoff, in 2005; and husbands, Wallace Christensen, in 1965, and Don Woods, in 2002. She is survived by her son, Roger Christensen. A Viewing will be held at Creighton Chapel on Monday, April 9, 2018, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. A Graveside Service will be held at Kingsburg Cemetery on Tuesday April 10, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at Concordia Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to Concordia Lutheran Church; or the charity of choice.