Ronald Mecham Christensen

Our father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Ronald Mecham Christensen, returned to the loving arms of his Heavenly Father and his beloved eternal companion, DeEtta, on June 7, 2007 at the age of 70.             

Ron was born to Chester Phoenix and Beth Mecham Christensen on February 5, 1937, in Preston, ID.  The family later included Sonja Beth, Gloria, Orvid, and Ranae Alice.  Most the family’s growing years were spent in Pocatello.  He graduated from Pocatello High School in 1955.  In Pocatello, he met DeEtta Gail Jensen and so began their long and loving relationship.            

After serving as a missionary in the Central States Mission for the LDS Church, Ron returned home to Idaho - and DeEtta.  They were sealed for time and eternity in the Idaho Falls Idaho LDS Temple on October 30, 1959.  They were married over 46 years before DeEtta passed away on May 16, 2006.            

One of Ron’s great loves was his country.  He served in the National Guard on full-time active duty for many years, then later in the Reserves.  He retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel after nearly 40 years of able and devoted service. 

The National Guard took them to California in 1966.  They always said they went to California to get their family since their three boys, Michael, Paul, and Joseph, were born there.  The family returned “home” to Idaho in early 1978 and found a home in Shelley in August.  This is where they spent the rest of their years, raising their boys, being and making wonderful friends, and serving in the church and the community.            

Another of Ron’s great loves was teaching.  This included teaching in the military, early morning Seminary, Hunter Safety Education courses, and the Gospel Doctrine class in Sunday School.  He enjoyed the time spent serving as Bishop of the Shelley 2nd Ward. 

Scouting was another great love of Ron’s life.  For over 40 years, he remained actively involved in all aspects of Scouting on many levels and was awarded the Silver Beaver by the Wolverine District.  He also served on the Shelley City Council for 10 years.            

Ron is survived by Michael, and his wife Annette, grandchildren: James, Brendan, Joshua, Sarah Jane, and Katelyn (Grandpa’s “Katy-bug” as he called her) of Layton, UT; Paul of Portland, OR, and Joseph of Sandy, UT;  his sisters and brother, Gloria’s husband, Robert; Orvid’s wife, LeeAnn; DeEtta’s sisters, Eva (Gary), Shirley (Clair), and Naomi (Russell), and 7 nieces and 16 nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sonja’s husband, Stan, DeEtta’s sister and her husband, Elsie and Dennis Birch, two of their sons, Steven and Brian Birch, and his beloved companion, DeEtta.            

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in Shelley Idaho Stake Center (325 East Locust), with Bishop Barry Hanson conducting.  A viewing will be held on Monday, June 11, 2007 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Nalder Funeral Home (110 W. Oak) in Shelley, as well as 9:30 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. at the Church, prior to the funeral.  Internment will be in the Preston City Cemetery.            

As the time for our parents to reunite has come, creating separation from those of us who remain, we express love to all the family, friends, and medical personnel who have so tenderly cared for both our parents in their times of need.  Good bye, dad, give mom a hug for us, find some time for fishing amidst all the work you will be doing, and remember we love you!