Services can be viewed live and the following link: https://zoom.us/j/99759551627

In the early morning of April 21, 2026, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Ray Christensen, age 82, peacefully passed away next to his eternal companion after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was surrounded by his loved ones who had faithfully and lovingly attended to his care for the last several months of his life.

Ray was born March 15, 1944 with his best friend and identical (mirror) twin brother, Kay, in Delta, Utah to Merlin Deloy and Martha Catherine Bishop Christensen. Ray loved the fact that he and Kay were such great friends in heaven, that they were allowed to come to earth together as brothers. They enjoyed playing sports together, music, and even sharing the part of Judd Fry in the Delta High School musical, "Oklahoma!". He was proud that he was able to play the villain's role so well, because it meant his acting skills were incredible! After graduating high school, Ray took his first train ride from Salt Lake City, Utah to Atlanta, Georgia to serve as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southern States Mission. He served across multiple states from 1963-1965 during the Civil Rights Movement and even saw Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while searching for people to teach. Decades later, Ray would drive his family through parts of his mission, not realizing that major freeways had been built and that the areas he loved would be difficult to find. Being lost together is a favorite memory for the Christensen family.

Ray returned home from his mission and quickly met the love of his life, Rinda Joy Blad, at a wedding reception in Sugarville, Utah. Ray's identical twin and best friend, Kay, served a mission in Scotland with Rinda's two older brothers, DeVon and Merlin Blad. When Ray walked into the reception, he was hailed by Merlin and mistaken as Kay. Identities were sorted and Ray asked Merlin if there were any cute girls at the reception, to which Merlin replied, "Nah, only my sister". He was not wrong. Ray asked for Rinda's hand in marriage after three weeks of dating and would constantly tell everyone that he had at least 300 reasons why he married her. She was his heart, his cheerleader, his favorite joke teller, his pride, and his Joy for 60 years. They shared many moments of love, sacrifice, hardship, happiness, and reverence. Their greatest accomplishment together is the adoption of their children and the family they have been able to build with love. That family has expanded to countless others that Ray and Rinda have "adopted" as well. Creating a home of safety, love, prayers, hugs, and baked bread for everyone has been a blessing to many over the years.

Ray graduated from Brigham Young University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a minor in history. He and Rinda built their dream home in Cedar City, Utah and spent 14 years creating wonderful memories and completing the adoption of their six children. He worked as a contractor for Kay's insulation company and in time, moved the Christensen family to Orem and Murray, Utah and eventually to Blue Springs, Missouri in 1989. This is where Ray's love for history was brought to life. Ray loved LDS church history and never hesitated to host friends and family visiting the Midwest with tours. He ignored the dramatic groans of his children while they piled into the car for another long drive "with people they hardly knew", because he knew that their hearts would be reminded and touched by testimonies of strength and sacrifice. He loved the gospel and lived his testimony in words and action. He affectionately served as a Bishop and member of the High Council. He worked closely with the youth of the LDS church in the Boys Scouts program and was a great leader and friend. He was also the first LDS member to be invited to participate in the Ministerial Alliance of Blue Springs. Ray worked hard to develop relationships and build bridges with other faiths because it is what Jesus would want. After 18 years in Missouri, Ray and Rinda moved back to Utah to be closer to extended family and to plan for retirement. Ray continued working with his brother Kay and nephew, Richard Higginson, in the insulation business. They were a very large support to Ray before and during the signs of his Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. Ray was very happy to be closer to family and loved attending any activity or event that included his grandchildren. If Rinda was next to him, he could do anything. When tragedy struck the family with the loss of their oldest son, Ray and Rinda were together. When Ray was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and experienced all the changes the disease brings, Rinda was next to him. When Ray was no longer able to physically care for himself, Rinda did. When Ray was able to join his family and Savior on the other side, Rinda was there. Ray lived a life of service and love and will be sorely missed by everyone who was affected by his leadership, humor, and love.

Ray was preceded in death by his son, Ken Christensen; son-in-law, Christoper Kettlewell; daughter-in-law, Margie Smith; his parents Merlin and Martha Christensen; brothers, Ken, Kay, Don, and Scott; and brothers-in-law, Gary Roper and Hal Schmid. Ray is survived by his wife Rinda; children Lisa Kettlewell, Eliese (Don) Livingston, Jay, Sunny (Larry) Crane, Analee, and Devin; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sisters Shirley Roper, Ann Schmid; and brother Jerry (Christina).

The Christensen family would like to send their utmost love and appreciation to CNS Services (Hospice Care), Senior Helpers, John, Michael, Blanca, Mallory, Justin, Steve, Emma, Christy, and other angels who sat with Ray. Your care and attention to Ray's needs were a blessing to him and to our family. He loved you and looked forward to spending time with you. God bless you!

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday April 25, 2026 at the LDS Church on 12345 South 2700 West Riverton, Utah at 11:00 AM. A viewing will be held Friday April 24, 2026 from 6-8:00 PM at the church and on Saturday from 10-10:45 AM. Interment Lehi City Cemetery.