Thelma Mae Blaine Christensen

Thelma Mae Blaine Christensen passed away at the Life Care Center in Casper, WY on Sunday, May 21, 2006. Thelma was born .June 2, 1915 to JG & Ruby Darlington Blaine in Pringle, SD. She spent her early years on the Blaine Elk Mountain Ranch near the South Dakota/Wyoming state line.
She began her schooling in a one-room schoolhouse on the Blaine Ranch. Her secondary education was at Newcastle, WY, Ogallala, NE and Hot Springs, SD.
On March 18, 1934 she eloped with her high school sweetheart, Sam Christensen of Hot Springs. They were wed at Buffalo Gap, SD, by Rev. Hatfield. They lived in Hot Springs for 3 years where two sons were born. Sam went to San .Jose, CA seeking employment in 1937; later Thelma and the boys followed by train. They lived there 7 years where a daughter was born. Thelma loaded the children and family dog into their Willies car and moved to N.J while Sam was stationed at Camp Shanks, NY. Upon his discharge from the service they moved to Gillette, WY. After Sam's retirement from the Post Office they spent their winters in Sun City, AZ. Thelma continued going south after Sam's death in 1982; eventually moving to Casper in 1998 to be closer to family.
Thelma enjoyed bridge club, Sam's dance band and dancing. She was active in Eastern Star, .Jobs Daughters Council, the Election Board. and was a Girl Scout leader. She liked playing board games and winning at Bingo.
She is survived by sons, Rev. Sam J (Judy) of Dubois, WY and David (Nita) of Casper, WY and a daughter Rochelle (Russ) Eichenberger of Pine Haven, WY. Grandchildren Mark (Leesha) Christensen of Casper, WY, Rev. John (Diane) of Thermopolis, WY, Carl (Lorry) Christensen of Northglenn, CO, Scott (Michelle) Christensen of Dubois, WY, Lee (Tanya) Christensen of Lincoln, NE, Lieut. Rev. Lynn (Liesl) Christensen of Yuma, AZ, Brian (Patti) Christensen of Casper, WY, Brad (Linda) Christensen of Casper, WY, Don Dee Harrod (Sheryl) of Everett, WA and Dalene (Rich) Goetz of Gillette, WY, 21 great grandchildren, sister Helene Darling of Billings, MT , brother -in-law, Vic Christensen of Jacksonville, FL, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by husband Sam of 48 years, her parents, brother William Sheehan, sisters Marjorie McCarter, Cora Kugland and June Woelfle.
Cremation has taken place. Services will be held at the Black Hills National Cemetery on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at 1 pm with her son Rev. Sam Christensen officiating, with burial beside her husband. Memorials may be sent in her name to the charity of the donor's choice.