Jay L. Christensen

Jay L. Christensen, 80, passed away Feb. 4, 2008, at Samaritan Hospital following a short illness.

Born Dec. 4, 1927, in Shelley, Idaho, he moved in 1933 to the Kittitas Valley with his parents where the family farmed together. Following graduation from Kittitas High School, he served in the United States Marine Corps from 1945-1947. He married his high school sweetheart, Erma Louis Wirt, in June, 1947. In 1957 they moved their family to the Royal Slope where he farmed with his brothers, then later with his sons and son-in-law. He was very involved in the growth and development of this new farming community. Over the years, he devoted much of his time and talents to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as Bishop, Stake President, Regional Representative, San Diego Mission President, and Boise Temple President.

He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Lucy Christensen, and his brother, Dee.

He is survived by his wife, Erma; two brothers, Ted and Bob; sister, Joyce Wright; and sons, Gary (Aurilla) of Royal City, Eric (Joni) of St. George, Utah, Daren (Nancy) of Royal City; and daughters, Wendy (Patrick) Halpin of Olympia, Wash., Debra (Paul) Bergeson of Royal City, and Lori (Dee) Winder, of Orem, Utah. He is also survived by 32 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.

A viewing for family and friends will be held at Kayser's Chapel of Memories in Moses Lake from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 7.

Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Royal Camp Chapel, on Friday, Feb. 8 with viewing beginning at 10 a.m. and services starting at 11 a.m. Burial to follow at Royal Memorial Gardens.