Memorial services for Ruth Christensen, age 93, of Chadron, NE will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron, NE with Dr. Russ Seger officiating.
Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron, NE.
A memorial has been established for the Chadron Bread Basket. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.
Ruth passed away peacefully with her family by her side on July 20, 2016 at Crestview Care Center in Chadron, NE. She was born on July 18, 1923 in Chadron, NE.
Ruth married Don Christensen on July 10, 1958, and they lived 13 miles north of Chadron on the Christensen Ranch. Later, after they moved to town in 1969, they purchased Gimple’s boot shop and later bought the Favorite Bar in 1975, which they owned until the late 80s.
Ruth was a life member of the VFW and was very active in the VFW until its closing. She was also a member of the American Legion. She stayed very busy volunteering at the Chadron Senior Center in the kitchen, also at the Rummage Sale. She helped prepare meals for the Lions Club and was also recently inducted into the Dawes County Hall of Fame for 50 years of service as superintendent of the horticulture exhibits at the Dawes County Fair as well as being recognized by UNL for her 50 years of service at the fair. She was also a master gardener. She loved working in her yard and spending time with her family. She attended Chadron Prep School.
Ruth was preceded in death by husband Don Christensen, daughter Pam Caswell; parents Thomas and Nettie (Swenson) Betts; brother Marvin Betts; and sister Violet Betts.
She is survived by daughter Christi (Pat) Hilliker of Hay Springs, NE; granddaughter Paige Zaro of Fort Collins, CO; grandson Bill (Lori) Johnson of Torrington, WY; and great-grandson Darr Johnson of Chadron, NE.
Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements for Ruth Christensen.