BEATRICE CHRISTIANSEN

CHINOOK - Beatrice Christiansen, 97, died Thursday, Feb. 6, 2003, in Billings.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd at 24th Street and Lewis in Billings and at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the American Lutheran Church in Chinook. Interment will be at Kuper Memorial Cemetery in Chinook.

Bea was born to John and Lilly Staff at her parents' homestead on Dec. 10, 1905. She was baptized at the family homestead by a circuit-riding preacher. She grew up as a farm and ranch girl, riding horseback to country school and finishing her high school days in Chinook.

Beatrice married Hugo Christiansen in 1928. He died in 1986.

Bea was a country school teacher before her marriage and she continued teaching her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends throughout her life.

Beatrice's greatest joy was sharing meals and visiting with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hugo Christiansen; son, Thomas; daughter, Marilyn; sister, Martha; brothers, Tom, Jim and Matt Staff; and great-grandson, Gerry Thill.

Survivors include her son, Hugo (Jean) Christiansen of Billings; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be sent to St. John's Lutheran Foundation, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Billings, or a donor's choice.