CHRISTIANS, Audrey A. (Janssen) 1930-2010

CHRISTIANS, JANSSEN

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 2/10/2010 at 17:54:21

Sibley, Iowa

Audrey A. Christians, age 79, died peacefully February 4, 2010 at the Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny, IA, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s.

Funeral service was Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley, Iowa.

Audrey was born August 6, 1930. She grew up with her five brothers; Loren, Duane, Donald, Glenn, and Dean, on the family farm just southeast of Sibley, Iowa. The farm and her family were important to Audrey all her life. Her beloved parents were Harry and Tena Janssen.

She graduated from Sibley High School in 1949 and married Perce Ray Christians from Little Rock, Iowa on February 15, 1950. They had two children, Merlin and Mary; and in 1958 the family made Ankeny, Iowa their home. For more than a decade, Audrey worked at Parker Bros. Games when it was located in Urbandale, Iowa and with fond memories she often talked about the wonderful and caring people she worked with.

Audrey was devoted to her grand children Julie Dawn and Rod Lee and loved her three great-grand children Cecilia, Cody, and Luke. Her hobbies included going to garage sales and antique shows to find pieces to add to her exceptional Mickey Mouse collection. From her first trips with Ray taking one of the grandchildren to Disney World to her last visit at Magic Kingdom with her family created some of Audrey’s most special memories. She also loved to bake and the family in particular looked forward to her carrot cake on birthdays and homemade pies for the holidays. Audrey’s gift of gab and smile will be missed by her family and those that knew her.

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Tena, her devoted husband of 45 years Ray Christians; and her brothers Donald and Glenn Janssen. She also lost too soon her son-in-law, Rod Lamberti; and several brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws that Audrey felt very close to. She is survived by Merlin and (Janet) Christians of Ankeny, Mary Lamberti of Ankeny, grandson Rod Lee and (Wendy) Lamberti of Grimes and grand daughter Julie & (Jeff) Nepple of Evergreen, Colorado. Additionally, her brothers Loren, Dean, and Duane continue to reside in the Sibley area as do numerous nieces and nephews that she cared deeply for.

The family asks, in lieu of flowers; if you desire to donate please consider the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research or a charity of your choice. On Audrey’s behalf, the family thanks you for your contribution; and we give special thanks to the entire staff of the Sunny View Care Center and the Iowa Hospice in Johnston for the compassionate care and the kindness shown Audrey. Their efforts are forever appreciated. Just as importantly, we give heartfelt thanks to our family and friends for their prayers, support, and help during this time of loss.

(Jurrens Funeral Homes)