William Christensen Obituary (2024)

On February 27, 2024, William "Bill" Ray Christensen of Gleed, Washington, passed away in Yakima, Washington. Bill was born September 3, 1946, at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Yakima. He spent all his 77 years living in the family home in Gleed. Bill attended grades 1- 8 at the Lower Naches School, graduated from Naches Valley High School in 1964, and Washington State University in 1968, with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He went on to work at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, Layman Lumber Co., and Forest Acres with his long-time friend, Joe Layman. He enjoyed the outdoors which included years of owning and operating a commercial fishing boat in Westport, Washington. This was, undoubtedly, his most favorite job! In his retirement years he maintained a large vegetable garden and grew lots of flowers. As a supporter of WSU football, he attended several home games and traveled to several of their Bowl games. (Go Cougs!) Bill bowled on a league with his brother, enjoyed hunting, & bird-watching. As a great cook, he often exchanged recipes with cousins. Next to his mother who was the best candy maker, Bill could hold his own. Family favorites were divinity, fudge, caramels, butter fingers, and cashew brittle. He is survived by his nephew, Peter Christensen and wife Tricia, with their children, Gregory, Nathan, and Cole Christensen and step-daughters, Savannah and Cheyenne Pindell. Also surviving him is his great niece, Rachel Christensen and sister-in-law, Sandra Christensen. There is extended family who also survive him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph O. "Chris" and Beth I. Edgerton Christensen, his brother, John S. Christensen, his nephew, John S. Christensen Jr., and his great nephew, Justin J. Christensen. Please, join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11:00am, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. 48th Avenue, Yakima, Washington, with a reception to follow. If you wish to make a donation in Bills honor, please, consider one of the charities close to the hearts of him and his family: Muscular Dystrophy Association; American Diabetes Association; American Kidney Foundation; or the Memorial Foundation for cancer care. Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.shawandsons.com. SERVICES Celebration of Life Saturday, March 23, 2024 11:00 AM Wesley United Methodist Church 14 N 48th Ave Yakima, Washington 98908