Marcia Ann Morgan Christiansen, eternal companion of Richard Ogden Christiansen, returned to her heavenly home on February 24, 2019 after a 5-month battle with cancer. Daughter of Edward Evan Morgan and Edna Marcella Guymon Morgan, mom was born May 17, 1935 in Price, Utah. The second oldest of five children, mom was raised as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah and California. Following high school in California, mom attended Brigham Young University, studying elementary education. While at BYU, she met dad (of Central Valley, Utah). Both graduated from BYU and were married that same year on October 24, 1959. Their first home was in Brigham City, Utah where mom taught school and dad worked at Morton-Thiokol. After 23 months of marriage, their first child, Stephen, was born. That day, dad was activated in the Berlin Crisis and shortly thereafter dad, mom and Steve moved to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. At the conclusion of the deployment, they returned to Bountiful, Utah where their remaining three children were born, Melanie, MaryAnn, and Collin. After 11 years in Bountiful, the family of six moved to Centerville, Utah where dad and mom lived for the next 44 years, the last 5 years of which mom was caregiver to dad who suffers from macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s. In July 2018, dad and mom moved into Creekside Senior Living in Bountiful, and two months later she was diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. She died peacefully, returning to loved ones beyond the veil. Mom is survived by her husband; her four children, Steve (Suzanne), Melanie Renstrom (Greg), MaryAnn Harrison (Rob), and Collin (Amy); all of her siblings, Kent (Sue), Myrleen Lyons (Jay), Kay Gallacher (Gaylan), and Scott (Terrie); and has been blessed with 20 grandchildren (including spouses) and 9 great-grandchildren.

Mom was beloved by many. Her family was her pride and joy. She was most happy when spending time with them, playing games, singing, telling stories, laughing, and working together. She was adored by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will sorely miss her beautiful smile and infectious laugh, her wonderful warm hugs and encouragement, and who know that their greatest cheerleader is now watching over them from above.

Her greatest life-long desire and focus was to serve and minister to all around her and remain true to her faith. Her service was freely and willingly given. In addition to her family, she loved and served: primary, young women and cub scout church groups; Relief Society sisters and their families; fellow missionary couples, members of the Church and non-members during the missions she and dad served in Adam-ondi-Ahman, Uruguay and Australia; neighbors throughout her life; residents at Creekside Senior Living; and literally countless others. There was always a smile, a helping hand, and a generous heart that accompanied her wherever she went. The world is truly a better place because she lived in it.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, at the Centerville 3rd Ward meetinghouse (900 S. 400 E.). A viewing will be held on Friday, March 1, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary in Bountiful (295 N. Main Street), and again on Saturday, March 2, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the Centerville meetinghouse. Interment will be at the Centerville City Cemetery (650 E. 400 S.) immediately following the funeral.

Heartfelt appreciation is extended to the staff at Creekside Senior Living, Renew Home Health and Hospice (especially Dr. Mark Firth and Marina Fairbanks), and Visiting Angels. In lieu of flowers, please donate to either the Perpetual Education Fund or the General Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.