Amy Lillian Christianson
Amy Lillian (Gronberg) Christianson, 92 of Billings passed away Tuesday afternoon with her family at her side and with the help of Gods hand she is now in Heaven.
Amy was born on the family farm, in the Red River Valley, October 31, 1917 to Carl and Zella Gronberg. On the farm Amy learned her appreciation of the bible, family and hard work. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and was famous for her lefsa. She was raised and educated in Climax, Minnesota, graduating from high school in 1935. Her passion to take care of others put her on the train to Minneapolis and she graduated with her Registered Nurse degree from the Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis, Minn., in 1939.
On June 6, 1959, Amy married Kermit Christianson and his four children, Stephen, Kelly, LeeGae and Mike, residing in Williston, North Dakota. David completed this family in 1960.
In 1968 the family moved to Billings, Montana where Amy worked with Dr. Galloway in plastic surgery. Upon retirement Amy remained active and committed to her Lutheran faith. She was a member of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and also volunteered at The Elizabeth Seton Prenatal Clinic at Saint Vincent Healthcare.
Amy was a master at growing roses and she was always willing to give away a bouquet sealed with a prayer. She enjoyed cooking and serving the family, canning, sewing, being a mother and most of all a grandmother.
Amy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kermit; her son and daughter-in-law, Kelly and Kim Christianson; her brother Carl and sisters Helen and Margerite.
Amy is survived by her brother Wally (Pat) Gronberg and her children; Stephen (Cheryl) Christianson of Indian Wells, California, LeeGae (Bob) Ruby of Houston, Texas, Mike of Billings, Montana, David (Lori) Christianson of Billings, Montana; 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
A special thank you to the loving and caring individuals at the Diamond Willow Assisted Living and Rocky Mountain Hospice.
Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, January 23rd, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary.
Memorials may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, P.O. Box 96305, Washington, D.C. 20090-6305 or the Alzheimer's Association Montana Chapter, 3010 11th Avenue North Billings, MT 59101.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
To Amy Christianson's family,
I first met Amy in 2004 when my mother, Wilma Obenauer, moved to the Vista at Mission Ridge. Amy was a delight, always very interested in what my Mother and her family were doing. She demonstrated deep care for my mother on many occasions, and really helped to engage her when Mother was living more in deep depression. Amy could always get some kind of response from my Mother. She was even doing great nursing at that stage of her life. Amy certainly knew compassion, wisdom, and love.
I join you in celebrating life.
Michael E. Obenauer
Christianson Family,
A flood of memories came rushing back to me when I saw Amy's picture. However, the one thing stood out in my mind, was that Amy was always a very kind, compassionate person. Kermit & Amy were the kind of neighbors that everyone should have. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Christianson Family during this difficult time.
The Solberg Family
Tim, Penny, Abby &Tanner
I was privileged to have Amy as almost a second mom, and it was great unless Dave and I were in trouble- then one mom was more than enough and Amy didn't pull any punches just because I wasn't hers. She could get me to do just about anything by promising me lefsa or bing cherries. Camping trips with the family was always a summer highlight, complete with sunflower seeds and trying to hide our chewing tobacco from her- she always found it.
My two oldest children had the privilege of having her as a neighborhood grandma, and would sneak up there often to visit- Amy always had cookies for them. One of the most impressive feats she displayed was on May Day probably 14 years ago. My girls delivered a May Day basket, knocked on the door and then ran around the side of the house to hide. Amy jumped off the little stoop, ran around the corner and caught them- picking them up one under each arm and carried them back to the house for
cookies- and she was 79 years old at the time.My girls still talk about her and the smells of her house- and the lefsa, cherries, and cookies. We are all grateful she is in her Father's arms and her mind, body, and soul have been refreshed and renewed. Peace to the family, and thanks for sharing your mom with so many others whose lives she touched.
Todd Preston
Dear Family,
I am so sorry that the weather has kept me from Billings I loved Auntie Amy with all my heart (except for that rabies shot thing, kidding...lol) She was a wonderful woman who was always trying to fill me with food when I was at your house.
I think that I spent more time at your house than I did at mine, in those days before you moved away. She was a second mom to me.
David, Lori...I am so glad that you were able to be there with her.
I will never forget the last time I saw her...Mike and I walked in her room (a few years back) and she said "you sure do look a lot like Cindy," and I had to laugh a bit...I said, "that's because I am Cindy!!" We went on to have a nice visit. I am glad my last visit with her was a very memorable one.
I drove by the house in Billings when I was there in December...remembering the roses and other beautiful flowers in the front and the garden in the back. I could almost see Mitzi running around the yard, in my minds eye.
I love you all so very much...I hope that is a comfort in this difficult time.
Cindy Christianson Klein
To Amy's family,
My thoughts are with you all today as you remember your mother. She was a fine woman and I thought the world of her. She always made me feel special.
Sincerely,
Rick Ruby
Christianson Family
Numerous fond memories of Amy and the entire Christianson family came back to me when I heard about Amy's passing. We have lost a wonderful woman but the Lord has an gained an amazing angel. My thoughts and prayers are with to the entire Christianson family during this difficult time.
Wayne L Solberg
I enjoyed the many years of working with Amy. We had some fun times and did some crazy things! She and Kermit were very good to me and my family and always trying to feed us and send home roses with me. My deepest sympathies to all of you as I am sure you will miss her very much.
Maggi Reiter
To Amy's family,
I was a young mom and a neighbor of Amy's. She was so dear and kind to me. I felt so unsure of myself in all that I was doing. Being with her erased all of that and my confidence was restored. I still thank her every time I drive by "her" house. I am certain there are many such ways she encouraged others because that was simply her way. Our children are all well raised, due in part to her gracious and thoughtful kindness to a young mom.
Barbara Sample