Marilyn Euvonna Christensen

Carl's mom passed away last Thursday after battling a series of debilitating strokes. She was an amazing woman who raised 6 strong and capable children. I married Carl when I was 18 and after 40 years, she loved and accepted me as one of her own. My kids loved her and served her every chance they could. Things like yardwork, home repairs, dishes, and shopping were all given and accepted with grace. We will miss our trips to Mt Pleasant. Love you, Euvonna. You are a beloved mother and grandmother. See you on the other side!

Marilyn Euvonna Christensen

9/16/1938 ~ 8/17/2023

Marilyn Euvonna Christensen, 84, of Mt. Pleasant Utah, gracefully and peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones, August 17, 2023.

Euvonna was born September 16, 1938 to Leo and Relia Larsen in a small cabin home in Mt. Pleasant Utah. She was the eldest of five children. Euvonna attended school in Mt. Pleasant and graduated from North Sanpete high school in 1956 as Valedictorian. She was offered a scholarship to Brigham Young University. After moving to Provo shortly after graduation, she was employed at BYU where she was the assistant to the Dean of Education. She studied business and became very proficient at her job. Euvonna was a meticulous and organized record keeper. Euvonna married Vernal Christensen March 18, 1960. Together they raised six children: Lorrie, Carl, Michael, Jenni, Greg and Camille. Vernal passed away October 9, 1989. Euvonna was a skilled homemaker and seamstress. She was a mother that taught her children the value of hard work and how to be self-sufficient. They learned many skills, as Euvonna and Vernal built a meaningful life and a strong family. She was an excellent cook and baker. She expertly preserved food from the huge family garden. She made holidays special with her traditions and treats, including handmade chocolates and confections. Euvonna worked for the Utah State University Extension Service for fourteen years coordinating the 4-H Homemaking Program. She retired in 2004. After her retirement from the Extension Service, she continued to learn new skills. She was a voracious reader and genealogist. She enjoyed knitting, needle arts and knife throwing. She gave countless hours of service researching her ancestors and preparing their names for ordinances. She planned “Ancestor Day” on Memorial Days to teach her family about their ancestors. She would lead a tour of the cemetery recounting individual stories from our pioneer heritage. She also loved history, beautiful music, and was very patriotic. Euvonna served in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She loved working in the Primary. Many remember the fun, legendary, activities she planned. Her children remember her “Primary Voice” some of them remember it fondly others not so much. Euvonna enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved to sit around the table and hear stories of their antics that she had been unaware of when they were happening. She was a devoted Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Wife and beloved Sister. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

Euvonna was preceded in death by her Parents, Leo and Relia Larsen, Husband, Vernal Christensen, Granddaughter Addison Christensen, Great Grandson’s Calder and Oliver Pedroza, Sister-in Law Carlene Larsen. Numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and many dear lifelong friends. She is survived by her siblings: Brooks (Nicky) Larsen (brother), Leola (Bill) Barnhill (sister), Thayne (Ellen) Larsen (brother), Fred Larsen (brother) and her children: Lorrie (Martin) Maughan (daughter), Carl (Sandy) Christensen (son), Michael (Julie) Christensen (son), Jenni (Roger) Johansen (daughter), Greg (Jen) Christensen (son), Camille Bauer (daughter), 27 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at the 2nd Ward Chapel in Mt. Pleasant Utah (295 S. State St) on August 23, 2023 at 11:00 am. A viewing will also be held Tuesday evening from 6:00-7:00pm and 9:30-10:30am prior to service, both at the church. Interment will be at the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery. 

News from North Dakota

Hey Everyone! It's been great out here! 

I hit 18 months on April 4th so Sister mission complete! Easter and General Conference was a blast! We spent a couple sessions driving around showing up to our friends houses and turning it on for them then leaving to the next person! It was pretty dang awesome. 

This week we were able to have a zone conference in Bismarck and check out the revised temple endowment. It was super great and a good focus on Jesus Christ.

It'd finally warming up and it feels unreal. Playing some disc golf today and gonna break out my hammock! Transfers are here in a week and a half, we'll see if I stay but 7 months is a long time for one area. Either way I'm hyped! 

Scripture: I love Moses 6: 34 and Elder Bednars talk about it in GC!

Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me.

Like Enoch we are all called to be examples of Christ! It's not easy and at times we may feel like he did, saying "why me? I am hated by everyone, and slow of speech... am I really your servant?" I promise the Lord's reply to him is to all of us! Cleave unto God and he will Cleave unto you!

Love you all,

Elder Sport

Traveling Together - Playing Baseball

You know how much Curly loves baseball! Apparently, it's too cold to play in Utah, so we had to come to Phoenix to get him a good game.

It was a long drive, so we spent one night in Las Vegas along the way. Gas prices are terrible, with Premium over $7/gallon in some places! Flying was out of the question since it was impossible to find a rental car anywhere near the Phoenix airport.

The scenery was nice...

The first two games were back to back wins. Curly even got a couple of innings on the mound.

That was fun, of course, and we also enjoyed the little hamburger joint where we stopped for lunch (mostly Curly...)

But my favorite part was our evening activity at the local Golfland.

We started with 18 holes of minigolf. 

Then Curly and I decided to try the bumper cars.

Then we tried them again...

And again... and a few more times after that. They were SO much fun and it was just the two of us bumping and pushing and spinning; trying to avoid the rails. The worker just kept starting the ride over for us. But I guess I whooped and hollared too much, because soon there was a crowd waiting for a turn, so we got off.

Curly really wanted to try the karts, so we headed to the track. This is never my favorite event, mostly because they are hard to get into and out of, and the seatbelts might or might not fit, but this time it worked out. 

I'm a much more cautious driver than Curly and he only lapped me twice. Thankfully his friends came along  and I was saved from a second race.

At least I felt better when he dominated that race too.

Christmas Concert

It has been a while since concerts have been part of Christmas. As you know, Baby Doll missed hers last week when we got stuck in Steamboat Springs. Curly did an awesome job playing the tenor sax at his concert this week. I'm so glad my kids enjoy music in their lives.

He is the cute one in the santa suit jacket.

Hidden Treasures

I've spent a fair amount of time helping Grandpa get more organized lately. We have sorted all kinds of papers and in the process unearthed some forgotten treasures. 

Grandpa was an amazing athlete when he was young. He was good at pretty much anything he tried. He played basketball for Snow College (#51 on the far left, circa 1959) and baseball for Utah State.

I didn't even know this pic existed. It's much more fun to sort through old mail and taxes from the last century when I might find something like this just under the next file

.

Traveling as Two - Logan

We got up fairly early on Saturday morning. You know, most hotel breakfasts these days are grab n go, hardly worth getting up for, but not the Hampton Inn. They require plastic gloves and masks, but other than that, they feel almost like pre-pandemic days with a full breakfast bar.

We were just finishing up when the lights in the breakfast area flickered and then went out. The large lobby windows let in the morning sun, so it wasn't actually dark. My sweetie headed for the front desk and after he confirmed that our keycards would still work, we made our way to the stairs. As I told you yesterday, we were on the third floor, so it was a bit of a hike.

Our balcony windows gave us plenty of light to pack while we waited somewhat impatiently for the lights to come back on. We weren't excited about dragging our suitcases down the stairs, but as the minutes ticked by, it soon became inevitable. We checked out just before 11:00 still without power.

We didn't have time on Friday to drive around town much, so my sweetie took me up by the temple. Then we drove over to Utah State. It is very different from our days there, but the Creamery is still the same. 

And their ice cream is still delicious!!

Unfortunately, it was time to leave. We had other weekend promises to keep and home was still two hours away. It was a good thing we were well-rested because the next 8 hours would be grueling...

Since We Got Home

We have beens home for a few days now and we have been so busy! Scout has been busy learning to drive although since I am her teacher, I haven't taken any pics. She and Baby Doll have also been working on a Girl Scout Journey so that Baby Doll can earn her Bronze Award. Thank goodness we are finished selling cookies.

Scout and I have been trying out some new recipes; check out this chicken and dill sauce. And of course the homework...there is always the homework.

Curly has been playing tons of baseball, learning to play the piano, and choosing something he wants to earn from Scheels. Sounds like the Personal Management merit badge to me.

Baby Doll is working on her cooking skills as well. She made these yummy cupcakes for St. Patrick's Day.

Sport has other things on his mind...    

So busy.

Almost makes me wish I were back on the beach.