Gertrude Christensen

Gertrude Elskaline (Blain) Christensen slipped peacefully into the arms of God on Dec. 27, 2024. She was embraced by her husband and reunited with those family and friends who passed before her.

She was born Feb. 11, 1930, on a farm near Columbus, MT to Robert and Grace Blain. Raised with four brothers and a younger sister, she could take some teasing and dish it out! She moved around the Bridger, Columbus and Joliet areas as a young girl, at one time attending a country school at the base of Cooney Dam where she would ride a horse to school or walk the two miles. There was a barn for the horses, outhouses and the teacher stoked the fire to keep everyone warm. During the Great Depression, the family moved to Ellensburg, WA, and moved again four times in the next two years. She knew the importance of hard work and that everything has value. When the economy improved, they moved back to Montana. They first settled back in the Boyd area, eventually moving to Joliet. She graduated from Joliet High School in 1948. She loved watching basketball and also played during her high school years, in addition to being selected as prom queen. She earned a two-year teaching degree in 1950, and then graduated from Eastern Montana College with a B.S. in Education in 1967.

She met the love of her life, Don, at a dance in Edgar, MT. He asked her to dance and their love story began. She married Don H. Christensen on Dec. 24, 1950, in the Joliet Christian Church, and the two waltzed through life together for 68 years. They were blessed with three girls: Linda (Rollin) Young, Carol (Jay) Zygmond and Donna (Jay) Bodner, who quickly became their world. When grandchildren arrived, they were the apple of her eye. Following her grandchildren, great grandchildren and nephews in sport and activities brought so much joy to her life! She loved attending high school and college games, whether she knew someone playing or not, and she followed the NBA with passion.

She cared for and guarded her family like a mamma bear. She was spunky, vibrant and strong! She often said, “Be good and have fun…and if you can't be good, then don't get caught!”

She showed kindness and love to everyone. She'd give you the shirt off her back whether she knew you or not. Her door was always open for coffee and conversation.

A member of First Christian Church, her faith was an integral part of her life. If you found yourself at her house on a Sunday, you were going to church and likely helping with that day's Sunday School lesson for the kids. Gert had a gifted way with babies and children and taught school for close to 40 years. Children were naturally drawn to her.

We love you mom and will miss your spirited embrace, but God has set you free! You will live every day in our hearts as we wait here on earth until He unites us. Surviving are her three daughters, nine grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, sister Grace Lehnherr, brother Rodney Blain and numerous nieces and nephews who all loved her so much.

The family extends a very heartfelt and special thank you to the amazing folks at The Springs at Grand Park whom we appreciate immensely and have grown to love. We are forever grateful to the angels of Stillwater Hospice.

Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 2, from 5-7 pm at Dahl Funeral Chapel, 10 Yellowstone Ave., Billings, MT.

Friends and family please join us to celebrate Gertrude's life on Friday, Jan. 3, at 11am, First Christian Church, 529 North 29th St., Billings, MT. Light luncheon to follow in the fellowship hall. Please join as we say our final goodbyes at Joliet Cemetery at 2pm following the lunch.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer's Association.