Ruth Christensen-Edstrom

Our singing angel mother, dedicated wife and grandmother, Ruth Ellen Forrey Christensen-Edstrom, age 92, sang her last song and joined the family choir in her heavenly home peacefully on January 22, 2025.

She was born December 14, 1932, to Paul and Pearl Forrey in Kuna, Idaho. Ruth was the third child of eleven children. She lived most of her childhood in Kuna and the Boise area. She met Nolan H. Christensen at a dance in Homedale, Idaho and he swept her off her feet. After a short courtship, they were married on January 14, 1950. The marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple on April 2, 1957. They lived in Umatilla, Oregon a short time where Nolan worked on the McNary Dam. They moved back to Idaho so Nolan could pursue a career in auto body work. They settled in Rexburg, Idaho where they raised their family.

Ruth and her partner danced through life together with grace and joy. Her dedication to her faith and community was evident in her lifelong membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together, they served as dance directors for the youth in the Young Women and Young Men programs, taking dancers to Salt Lake City for dance festivals. Ruth faithfully fulfilled many responsibilities, including involvement in the Relief Society, the young women’s ward, and various stake positions. Her favorite calling was teaching music to Primary children, a role that allowed her to express her deep passion for singing and performing, especially alongside her family. Ruth was never daunted by a task, no matter its size. She wrote and directed numerous productions alongside many friends, including roadshows, church Christmas programs, primary programs, and community shows. For over 50 years, she was a member of the “Melodaires,” a ladies singing group. Nolan even joined her in the “Melody Men” and sang alongside her. Ruth’s passion for music and performance was passed down to her children, who also appreciate and excel in music.

The highlight of her musical journey was forming a band with Nolan called the “Third Generation.” They performed throughout the valley for many years, showcasing a country flavor that featured their grandchildren, daughters, and friends. Their music included guitars, banjos, harmonicas, fiddles, keyboards, and Nolan’s string bass. Ruth had many varied interests and talents. She was always helpful to others and generous with her time and talents. She contributed to the local fair by creating beautiful displays for the entries. As a talented seamstress, she could often be found sewing costumes, square dance dresses, shirts, and quilts. She enjoyed making matching outfits for her daughters. She passed her many skills down to her children, who are proud to continue her legacy. Ruth and Nolan also enjoyed many years of square dancing with friends. Additionally, Ruth was an active member of the local Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP). She loved participating in the local book club and had a particular interest in reading church history books. As a family we discovered that she had a competitive edge during a good card game with the family.

Ruth’s Eternal companion, Nolan, passed away in 1994. She later married Vernon Edstrom in 2000. Vernon and Ruth served a mission in Toronto West, Canada in 2004-2006. She enjoyed her time out on the farm helping Vernon raise calves. Vernon even spent time singing with Melody Men and Melodaires. He was a big supporter of Ruth, who cherished time with her family. He passed away December 24, 2022.

She is survived by her children: Craig and Barbara Christensen of Seattle Washington; Joy and Kerry Brower of Tremonton, Utah; Kathy Howard of Newdale, Idaho; Charlene and Marcus Jenkins of Seattle Washington; Lorie and Rob Mathews of Gilbert, Arizona. Siblings: Shirley McGinnis, Donna Harmon, Carol Banker, Paul Forrey, Steve Forrey, Julia Caudle, Sherwood Forrey; and many grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by husbands: Nolan H. Christensen and Vernon Edstrom; son, Mark L Christensen; son-in-law, Micheal Robert Howard; Grandson, Danial Micheal Howard; great grandsons, Braydon Alan Pugmire and Cameron Thomas Roedel, and great-granddaughter, Jovi Joy Brower.

The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to the staff at Morning Star Assisted Living and Aspen Home Health Services.

A celebration of Ruth’s life will begin with a viewing at Flamm Funeral Home on Sunday, Feb. 2, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Her funeral will be held Monday, Feb. 3, at the Burton East Chapel located at 2332 W 2000 S. Family will greet friends from 10:00 AM till 10:45 with the funeral beginning at 11:00 a.m.

She will be laid to rest in the Rexburg Cemetery after the service.

Just like life and the great programs that eventually come to an end, Ruth and Nolan concluded their musical performances with the song and dance, “Could I Have This Dance.” The lyrics express a heartfelt sentiment: “Could I have this dance for the rest of my life? Would you be my partner every night? When we’re together, it feels so right. Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?”