Donna Thirkill Christensen

Pocatello- Donna Mae Thirkill Christensen, 85, of Pocatello, Idaho, passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at her home surrounded by her loving family following an illness.

Donna was born February 13, 1925, a daughter of Frank Edgar Thirkill Jr. and Hattie Eva Jenkins Thirkill , in Soda Springs, Idaho. She was reared and attended school in Soda Springs, graduating from Soda Spring High School in 1943.

She studied piano at the McCune School of Music and at Brigham Young University. She attended Brigham Young University and graduated in 1947. She worked for Brigham Young University Treasure's Office for several years and for Farmers and Merchants Bank of Provo, Utah. She also worked as the Plant Manager's Secretary for Monsanto Chemical Company in Soda Springs.

On Sept. 5, 1947, she married DeWayne W. Christensen in the Salt Lake Temple. She was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints serving in various positions. She was deeply interested in music and participated in that field throughout her life. She was a member of the Pocatello Literary Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband and five children and their spouses; Craig and Sheryl Christensen, Kevin and Julie Christensen, Stacey and Dan Deagle, Scott and Penny Christensen, Lissa and Rhett Hall; 21 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 31, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Highland Fourth Ward Chapel (Michelle Street, off of Satterfield Drive) with Bishop Dan Ruth officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening, January 30. from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave. and on Monday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Restlawn Memorial Gardens.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel.

Click here to view Video Tribute