Beth Christensen, 94, of Bridgewater

Funeral and Eastern Star Services:  Will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bridgewater United Methodist with burial following in the Witt Cemetery.   A luncheon will be held at the church following the burial.  The Lamb Funeral Home in Fontanelle is in charge of the professional arrangements.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.

Visitation:  Will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at the Lamb Funeral Home in Fontanelle from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Memorials:  Memorials may be directed to the Bridgewater Fire Department.

Beth Christensen daughter of John and Maude (Sturdy) Warrior, was born March 2, 1929 in Adair County. She passed away quietly in her sleep on August 21, 2023, at Greenfield Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. Beth grew up in the Bridgewater area, graduating from Bridgewater High School in 1947. Following graduation, she taught country school in Washington Township. 

On June 5, 1949, she married Wilbur Christensen at Bridgewater United Methodist Church. They were blessed with three children: Patsy, Mary and Brian. The Christensens resided at a home in Van Meter, before moving to the farm near Bridgewater in December of 1950. They enjoyed square dancing and both were members of Eastern Star.  They retired from farming in 1996, and moved to town in 1999. They were married 60 years.

While on the farm, Wilbur and Beth milked cows and Beth was in charge of the milk cooler. She always had a huge garden, and raised chickens. When the kids were older, she took an adult class on wedding cake decorating.  She made many, for both family and friends, traveling and assembling all over Iowa.  After moving to town, she was employed as a cook at Mary Lou’s Café. Beth loved her hometown. She volunteered to cook for Round Up Day, and was often a judge for the annual Halloween Party.  Many knew Beth as the Bridgewater News correspondent for both the Adair County Free Press and the Fontanelle Observer.

Beth and Wilbur attended Pleasant Grove Church in rural Fontanelle. She enjoyed cooking and baking for the yearly church supper, in addition to sewing, crocheting, and quilting for the bazaar. She continued this at the Bridgewater Methodist Church after retiring to town.

Beth also made quilts for her children and grandchildren. This led to being in charge of the quilt shows at the Adair County Fair. Her kitchen table was always the hub of quilts being made and quilts being planned.
 

Those left to cherish her memory are son Brian Christensen and wife Pam of Bridgewater; daughters Patsy Stuva and husband Rick of New Hope MN (children Liz, Carrie and Ben) and Mary Dunn of Atlantic (children Joe and Christine); 14 great grandchildren; other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur; her parents; sister Joann and brother John.

The family wishes to thank everyone for the acts of kindness shown during this time of loss. Following interment, the family asks that you join them for lunch at the church.