Sheila Rae Christensen
VICTOR — Sheila Rae Christensen (Nana) was born on Nov. 20, 1943, in Bellingham, Wash. She lived a happy, fun-filled 67 years, but left us for her next adventure on Sept. 29, 2014. She grew up in Seeley Lake and attended high school at Hellgate and Sentinel schools. She retired from Victor School District in 2009.
She leaves behind three children: Clint (Jamie) Rice and Joe (Tammy) Rice of Arlee and Rhonda (Sam) Kinney of Ronan; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. In her words, “I have the most beautiful kids and grandkids.” She is also survived by two sisters: Kathy (John) Lewis of Victor and Christie (Ray) Brander of Avon; and two brothers: Jim Christensen of Stevensville and Craig (Peggy) Christensen of Darby; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Lyla and Robert Christensen; and two brothers Roy Lyle and Robert Dean.
Her spirit of adventure was unsurpassed. She enjoyed horseback riding, gardening, and taking care of all of her “critters.” One of her favorite memories was riding in the 2000 Montana Centennial Cattle Drive. She loved Flathead Lake and attended the Christensen family reunion in 2013 and got a tour of Wild Horse Island. In 2014 she attended another Christensen family reunion where she was able to reunite with cousins she hadn’t seen in 50 years.
Her final days were filled with extreme joy as friends and family surrounded her. She loved hearing all her little grandbabies running around the house. She smiled and said, “Pitter-patter, pitter-patter, that is the best sound there is,” while listening to all the little ones running up and down the hall. Sheila feels her greatest accomplishment in life was her three children. Despite having health issues, she had a perpetual grin on her face and was full of spunk and humor the entire time. She was full of energy and an inspiration to all.
Nana’s Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, at Victor Senior Citizens’ Center, 246 Fifth Ave., in Victor, beginning at noon. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at: www.brothersmortuary.com.
