Emelie Christensen

Richfield, Utah – Emelie Payne Christensen, age 88, passed away December 8, 2023, in Richfield. She was born on April 7, 1935, in Monroe, Utah to Elwood Thomas and Myrle Hunt Payne. She had three sisters and five brothers and lived a life filled with love, compassion, and unwavering strength. Her warmth, kindness, and infectious smile, sometimes accompanied with a wink, touched the lives of everyone she met.

Emelie attended South Sevier High School, however she did not graduate. She dropped out to marry her teenage crush, Drue Hall. She soon became a mother shortly after she turned 18. After having two more children and soon after divorcing Drue, she was determined to receive her high school diploma. She returned to school and graduated from Richfield High School.

Emelie pursued a career helping children to learn and grow at Ashman and Pahvant Elementary Schools. For many years, she made significant contributions and touched many lives through her dedication and expertise.

On September 8, 1964, Emelie was sealed to her eternal sweetheart, Norman Ross Christensen, in the St. George Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together they had two daughters. With a strong testimony that families can be eternal, she served alongside her husband in the Manti Temple for over fourteen years. Ross preceded Emelie in death by only a few months, September 20, 2023.

Emelie's greatest joy in life was her family. All her children learned from and loved Emelie. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering support created a home filled with love and laughter.

Emelie had many other passions and hobbies, including scorekeeping and cheering at the softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer games and wrestling matches of her children and grandchildren. She also loved playing card and board games and going on adventurous and scenic side-by-side rides with her children and grandchildren. She has many dear friends and enjoyed activities with them including monthly Club. Emelie's zest for life was infectious, and she lived each day to the fullest, cherishing moments spent with family and friends.

Emelie leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and strength that will continue to inspire those who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have shared in her life.

She is survived by her five children: Denise, Don, Todd, Cris, and Angee; her step-daughters: Terri, Wendy, and Susie; 10 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren and her two brothers: Tom and Mike; along with daughters- and sons-in-law.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 15, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. in the Springer Turner Funeral Home Chapel, 260 North 400 West in Richfield, where friends may call for viewing Friday from 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the services.

Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.