Judy Christensen

Judy Christensen, age 62, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family on August 24, 2017. Judy was born in Wheatland, Iowa in 1955. She was raised on the family farm and attended Wheatland High School. Judy then went to Saint Luke’s nursing school in Cedar Rapids, IA and graduated as a Registered Nurse. At the family farm in 1976, she married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Rhys Christensen. Judy and Rhys lived in Iowa City for a year before moving to Ames, IA. Judy worked as a surgical nurse at Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames. Judy and Rhys started their family in Ames with the birth of their first daughter, Cara in 1983. In 1984, Judy and Rhys moved to Ft. Collins to pursue a new life. Judy worked as a surgical nurse at Poudre Valley Hospital for 8 years. During this time she gave birth to Chase in 1985 and Casi in 1987. Judy was a tireless community volunteer. While raising her family, Judy gave her time to Riffenburgh Elementary, Preston Jr. High and the local Red Cross Chapter. Most recently, she dedicated her service to Poudre Wilderness Volunteers. She served on the board, as the treasurer, as a fundraiser, and put in many trail hours. In the last two years, Judy poured her energy into 3Hopeful Hearts. Judy served on the board and as a support person to families who had lost a child. Judy cast a large net of loving kindness around everyone she met. Her radiant smile and her bear hugs were famous. Judy’s passion for the outdoors, her garden and volunteering was only surpassed by her love and commitment to her family and friends. Her zest for life and boundless energy were contagious. Caring for family and friends was the center of her universe. She always put others above herself. Judy is survived by her husband of 41 years Rhys, her children, Cara along with her husband, Wyatt Southworth and grandson, Miles, Chase and his girlfriend, Diane Dougherty; and Casi and her husband, Nick Blakey. Judy is also survived by her mother, Imogene Paulsen and siblings, Cindy, Penny, Lori and Joel; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Don. Judy is also survived by the countless friends and families she touched during her life. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday September 6, 2017 at Windsong Estate, 2901 Saddler Blvd, Fort Collins, CO (the corner of Hwy 14 and Hwy 257). The celebration is casual, please come as you are. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the 3Hopeful Hearts Building Fund. (http://coloradogives.org/3hopefulheartshome) Friends may send condolences to the family at bohlenderfuneralchapel.com.

Tributes

Judy Christensen

June 1, 1955 - August 24, 2017