Nita Rae (Hayden) Christensen

Nita Rae (Hayden) Christensen, 87, passed away on October 30, 2025 in Casper, WY.

Nita Rae was born July 24, 1938 in Gillette, Wyoming to Glenn and Zaida (Rippey) Hayden. She grew up on the family ranch southeast of Gillette, attending school in a nearby one-room country schoolhouse through the eighth grade. One year she was the only student in the school. She graduated from Gillette High School in 1956 and married her high school sweetheart David Christensen on August 10, 1957. The couple moved to Newburgh, NY when Dave joined the Air Force stationed at Stewart Air Force Base. After his service, they spent two years in Laramie, and then moved to Casper in 1963 where she resided until her death.

Nita loved spending time with her family, visiting with family and friends, and being an integral part of her church community. She enjoyed dancing and game nights and was a member of several bridge clubs through the years.

Nita was a faithful Christian, attending First Presbyterian Church in Casper (later renamed Grace Reformed Church) since 1963, where she was actively involved in many committees and projects, including Head of Deacons and Coordinator for numerous weddings and funerals.

Nita loved talking to people and would spend hours on the phone catching up with her friends and relatives. She was extremely generous with her money and time, and had a gift for hospitality. She was kind to everyone, always friendly and welcoming, bringing grace and love to every situation.

Loved dearly by her family, she was that wonderful combination of a strong ranch girl and a kind Christian lady. In her final days, her five grandchildren each had the opportunity to speak with her and each one individually told her she was “the best Grandma ever.” Her family and friends will greatly miss her.

Nita is survived by her husband, David Christensen, her sons Brian (Patti) Christensen and Brad (Linda) Christensen, grandchildren Carissa (Huberth) Marak, Lana (Ryan) Manley, Hayden Christensen, Stephen (Carrie) Christensen, and Ethen Christensen, great granddaughters Norombi Marak and Namaara Marak, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and their wives, Darrell (Maureen) Hayden, Donald Ike (Alta) Hayden, Doyle Bud (Amy) Hayden and D.R. “Bob” Hayden, two sisters and their husbands, Neva (Tookey) Wilmot and Norma (Kenneth) Duvall, and one grandson, Justen Christensen.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 1:00 pm in the Sanctuary at City Park Church (formerly First Presbyterian Church) at 804 S Wolcott, Casper, WY. Following the service, at approximately 2:00 pm, a reception will be held next door at Grace Reformed Church at 834 S Wolcott, Casper, WY.

In lieu of flowers, please send any gifts or donations to Renewed Hope Foundation, PO Box 616, Casper, WY 82602. Nita’s grandson Justen was the inspiration for this non-profit organization created to help special needs children, and it was very dear to her.

To share a memory of Nita or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guest book below.