Ruby Claire Fullmer Christensen, 86, residing in Idaho Falls, formerly of Blackfoot, passed away Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, at Fairwinds Retirement Community. She is reunited with her eternal sweetheart, Lloyd, after a 26-year separation.
Ruby was born Aug. 16, 1927, in Cedar Point, Idaho, to Horace Edward Fullmer and Mary Magdalena Pfost. She was raised in Blackfoot and graduated from Blackfoot High School in May 1945.
On Nov. 16, 1945, Ruby married her sweetheart, Lloyd Lamar Christensen, for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Ruby and Lloyd went from being sheep herders as newlyweds to building the first bowling alley, "Spud Bowl," in Aberdeen, Idaho. They always supported and strengthened one another. In 1965, Ruby and Lloyd relocated to Blackfoot to raise their family.
As part of their financial plan, she continued her education at Idaho State University by earning a Bachelor of Arts in education in May 1970, a Master of Education in 1972, and a Degree of Educational Specialist in educational administration in August 1976.
Ruby and Lloyd shared many adventures together. One in particular was driving the Alcan Highway to Valdez, Alaska, which she called "the drive of a lifetime." In the past, she worked as a newspaper linotype operator and had a real estate license. Ruby had a long career in the Idaho educational system: as a teacher at various schools; principal at both Bonneville and Tendoy Elementary Schools; and superintendent in Arbon Valley.
Throughout her life, Ruby had a deep love and appreciation of music. At one point, she was able to perform with the Idaho Symphony on the violin. She was currently taking violin and piano lessons to renew her skills. It was one thing she could take with her! Ruby remained physically active her entire life. The staff at Apple Athletic Club was particularly encouraging and supportive. She delighted in serving others. Ruby loved the phrase "Keep your mitt on -- the game's not over 'til the umpire calls out!" Ruby was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served two full-time missions in the Philippines, San Fernando Mission from October 1992 to April 1994, and Vietnam, Hanoi Mission from January 1996 to July 1997. She also served as an ordinance worker in the Bountiful, Utah, LDS Temple.
Ruby is survived by one sister, Donna Shindurling of Idaho Falls; son, Kit (Vickie) Christensen of Moore, Idaho; daughters, Mary (Randy) Sellers of Bountiful, Utah, and DeAnn Bradford of Blackfoot; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at Hawker Funeral Home, 132 S. Shilling Ave. in Blackfoot. Family will meet with friends and relatives from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, and Saturday for one hour prior to services, both at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Groveland Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hawker Funeral Home - Blackfoot.
Daryl and Nancy Lopez
February 2, 2014
Ruby befriended our mother Lois while at Fairwinds, adding lightness and laughter to her days. We enjoyed her greatly, and she was an enthusiastic supporter of the Old Time Fiddlers performances each month. She always requested Red Wing, and we played it in her memory last month. What a super lady.
January 20, 2014
We moved next door to Ruby and Lloyd in 1971 with a beautiful Lilac hedge separating our families. We had six small children while living there. Our children loved going to visit Lloyd in the barbershop and would often come home happy with a treat Loyd had given them. Ruby was such a busy person. After reading her life sketch, I now know she was continually achieving education and talents. What an amazing example she is for all of us-no matter what age! My husband and I are workers in the Idaho Falls Temple and I had a sweet visit with her there not long ago. She was such an inspiration to me. She will be greatly missed. She and Loyd raised a wonderful family. Our thoughts are with you. Steve & Pat Kauer Family
Josh Conte
January 17, 2014
God bless you Ruby and your family, it was always a great day when you brought your explorer in to the shop, I'll forever miss our visits. I know you are doing good work where you are.
Randy Lords
January 13, 2014
We will mis your mother she was always a joy and such a sweetheart . We loved her precious smile...bishop lords
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January 10, 2014
I remember Lloyd and Ruby from when they had the Aberdeen Bowling Alley. Many hours were spent having so much fun. My condolences to the family.
Karen Slaugh
January 10, 2014
Dearest Family,
I came to know Ruby through my sister Pat Arave and Ruby's grandson Brent. I helped Pat and Tom in their convenience store and worked with Brent - whom I still love to this day. He is such a great young man. After reading Ruby's obituary I know why he is.
At first I was very sad when I learned of Ruby's passing, but after reading her obituary I rejoiced. Ruby passed on to her eternal reward scoring a "home run". How many people can have that said about them. After learning more about her she has become my hero! I will always look to her as a wonderful example of making the most of life and having a great time while you're doing it. I wrote the quote from her obituary in my "thought book" so I will always remembers it and be motivated by it. I love Ruby! Even though I didn't know her extremely well, she was always so kind and friendly to me whenever I saw her.
I know you will miss Ruby but you are so blessed to have her as the matriarch of your family. She set a perfect example for you to follow.
I am so sad we cannot be with you to say good-bye to Ruby. My husband and I are serving a mission in Slovakia, Europe.
Our love and condolences go out to all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Ken and Gayle Wrightson
Stacie Smith
January 9, 2014
I am going to miss you grandma! I love you lots and lots. Thank you all for remembering such a sweet, kind, loving, funny lady. Grandma was an inspiration in my life. Love you always and forever!
January 9, 2014
THE STAFF AT CARDIAC REHAB WAS SADDENED BY THE PASSING OF YOUR MOM. SHE WAS A WONDERFUL LADY AND WE ALL ENJOYED GETTING TO KNOW HER. SHE WILL BE MISSED.
Marlene Bageant
January 8, 2014
Mary and family so sorry to hear of your Mothers passing. I know how hard this time is for you each of you. Our love goes out to you all from here us in zero degree temps from Virginia . Will be in touch when things calm down for you all. Thanks for sharing her passing with us here . Only wish we could be there with you all. Love the Bageant's
Alethea Bennett
January 7, 2014
I miss you so much Ruby! You always came in to my work and called me your brain, wow what an honor!! You never left without telling me you loved me and I'm really going to miss that. We became close while I helped you put together some of your book, I'm so glad you were able to finish your book it meant so much to you. I am heartbroken, I love you Ruby you are my ANGEL!!
Diane Eld
January 7, 2014
My dear sweet kindred spirit. So happy you were a part of my life. You inspire me. Save a place in Heaven for me.
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Jan
10
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Hawker Funeral Home - Blackfoot132 South Shilling Ave., Blackfoot, ID 83221
Jan
11
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Hawker Funeral Home - Blackfoot132 South Shilling Ave., Blackfoot, ID 83221
Jan
11
11:00 a.m.
Hawker Funeral Home - Blackfoot132 South Shilling Ave., Blackfoot, ID 83221
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Hawker Funeral Home - Blackfoot132 South Shilling Ave., Blackfoot, ID 83221

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