LaDean Shirley Bickley

LaDean Shirley Christensen Bickley, an example of everything good, slipped away quietly in her unique humble way December 11, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and family. 

LaDean was born to Walter and Melva Christensen on January 23, 1935. She grew up on a farm in small town Shelley, Idaho. We attribute her superhuman strength to that! She graduated as a “Russet” from Shelley High School, attended Rick‘s College for one year, and worked at Montgomery Wards Dept. store, where she was introduced to Jerry Bickley. 

LaDean and Jerry married in 1956 and had five children, affectionately known as Steven Mark, Julie Ann, Paul Jean, David Ray, and Karen Marie, always using a middle name when a little punctuation was needed! They resided in Pocatello, Idaho. Jerry was injured while working at Union Pacific Railroad in 1973, so in 1975, they purchased a Beekeeping business in Plankinton, South Dakota. LaDean worked tirelessly to maintain a family, two residences, and to support the family business. LaDean was a wonderful homemaker caring for her children, and was always there for them. LaDean and Jerry later divorced, starting a new chapter. 

She worked as a reading aide at Syringa and Indian Hills Elementary schools, where she loved interacting with the children. She then worked at ZCMI and, in 1986, began a 15-year career at Idaho State University in custodial work. She took immense pride in maintaining the President’s building. It was hard work, late night shifts, and she never complained, typical of her humility. She loved the people there, and they loved her. She was even known to counsel a student employee or two who needed a little “direction” in life! 

LaDean was a devout follower of Jesus Christ and always said how much her faith meant to her as a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served as a missionary at the LDS Employment Services and sang in the choir her entire life. It could be said about LaDean, as the scripture says, “we don’t doubt that our mothers knew it.”

She never spoke ill of anyone. Resilient, kind, and forgiving describes LaDean perfectly! She would fondly reply, no matter how she was feeling or doing, “I’m fine!”

LaDean loved dancing, singing, music, and playing the organ. She attended the senior citizen center regularly to dance. She was a member of the Silver Chords singing group, a highlight of her retirement. Dancing at family weddings, sleepovers, and old movies (especially musicals) with grandchildren was a hit. She always had an ice cream sandwich to offer whenever you came by! 

A good cold Coke Zero brought her delight, a simple pleasure that exemplified her zest for life! Paired with a “Whataburger” daily from TacoTime made everything complete.

LaDean had quite a “green thumb” and always reminded us to add a “banana peel” to our rose bushes. She was an excellent cook, seamstress, and a wonderful keeper of history and memories. Come heck or high water her children knew they would attend lessons and play a musical instrument! No negotiation! Thanks mom!

LaDean leaves 5 children, 19 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter. Her family was her greatest treasure, and she often said she was “blessed tenfold!” or "I have a neat, neat Family."

She will be missed and has left a void in our hearts, but we are at peace in her daily words, “I’m fine.“ “ I’m just fine!” Mom, we know you are just fine, and we take comfort in knowing that.

LaDean is preceded in death by parents, Walter and Melva Christensen, and brothers, Ronald and Mark Christensen. 

She is survived in death by her children: Steve (Debbie) Bickley of South Weber, Utah; Julie (Bill) Myers of Pocatello, Idaho; Paul (Jodi) Bickley of Layton, Utah; David (Nancy) Bickley of Pocatello, Idaho; Karen (Clay) Dorsey of Pocatello, Idaho; brothers: Neal, Brent, Kevin Christensen and sister, Linea Russell.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Holman Ward Chapel, 300 East Chapel Street, Pocatello, Idaho 83201. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 - 7:30 P.M. and Saturday from 9:30 - 10:45 A.M., both at the church. Burial will be at 2:30 P.M. in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home, 110 West Oak Street, Shelley, Idaho.

Those who would like to participate in the funeral service remotely are invited to view the service on a live broadcast at the following link:

https://zoom.us/j/4177141963?pwd=NzY0Q2JSNm0zc1VMKzg4bUFzVU5mdz09

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