January 7, 1921 ~ December 12, 2009

After a long and fulfilling life, Ida Mae Rasmussen Christiansen moved on to her next step in life on 12 December 2009 at age 88. 

Ida Mae was born January 7, 1921 to Clarence Arthur and Alice Rasmussen in Provo, Utah.  She attended Provo schools.  The family moved several times in her life then settled in Pleasant Grove in 1935 on a seven acre piece of property.  With plenty of peaches, pears, cherries, strawberries, chickens and many other things the family lived through the depression years.  Ida Mae and her siblings learned the value of hard work at a young age, which was valuable throughout her life.  She always had a hard time throwing away anything.  Her father was a prominent businessman in town for years with Pleasant Grove Real Estate.  After high school and BYU Ida Mae worked in Salt Lake then moved to Washington DC for a couple of years.  To be home for a sister’s wedding she quit her job and returned to Utah Valley. 

Ida Mae’s husband, Malcolm Karl Christiansen, was next-door neighbor to the Rasmussen’s.  After his service in WWII, they got to know each other and were married on January 14, 1948 in the Salt Lake Temple.  They built a home next to the Christiansen homestead in Pleasant Grove and raised their family of five children there.

Music was the love of her life.  Ida Mae played violin for years.  She has been in a number of choruses and choirs over the years, from the Singing Mothers years ago to Utah valley’s Chauntenettes.  Her church activities ranged from primary to ward choir director as a member of the LDS church.   She was a 4H leader for several years.  She served as a temple worker at the Mount Timpanogos Temple.  As a current member of the Daughters of the Utah pioneers she served as the music person.  Ida Mae is famous for her involvement in the Pleasant Grove’s Art Council from 1985 to 2002.  She was instrumental in scheduling performers for Pleasant Grove’s Concert in the Park for 17 years.

Her husband, Malcolm, preceded her in death in 1982.   Also preceding her in death are her parents, Clarence and Alice and siblings, Max Alfred (Elda), Donna, C.larence Wesley (Bernice), Eldon (Lois), and Mary Alice (Blaine Nielson).  Surviving siblings include Barbara Jean (Melvin Jex), Eva Alene (Bruce Fugal), and Thoral (Carol).  She is survived by her children: Steven (Barbara), American Fork; Karl (Kay), Highland; Janene (Leland) Yates, Brigham City; Kathy (Jeff) Johnson, Orem: and James (Deb), Petersboro.  She currently has 25 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.   

Funeral services will be held 11:00 am, Monday Dec. 21, 2009, at the Grove Creek 2nd Ward LDS Chapel, 500 North 700 East.  Friends may call on Sunday, Dec. 20th at the Olpin Family Mortuary, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and at the church from 10:00-10:45 the day of the funeral.  Interment will be next to her husband in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery.  The family would like to thank Beehive Homes #2 (Am. Fork) staff and Alpine Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.

Condolences (7)

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Gail Rasmussen Sylvester said:

Steven, Karl, Janene, Kathy, and Jim, Thank you so much for sharing your mother with us. I remember the cousin sleep overs at your house, and having Aunt Ida Mae take us to the local PG activities, which I missed after moving away. One year, in particular, she took us to the Miss PG pagent and encourgaged us all to develop our talents so we could participate when we became older. She is definitely a queen in my book! Love to All of You!!! Gail

December 17, 2009

Donna R. Nelson said:

Aunt Ida Mae will be missed. I imagine there is a great reunion there, Dad, Eldon & Lois, Max & Elda, Mary Alice, Grandma & Grandpa. I remember going to her wedding. Love to you all. Donna Rasmussen Nelson

December 18, 2009

Sandra Larsen Helm said:

Karl, So sorry to read of the passing of your mom. I know how hard it is. Please know I am thinking of you and your family at this time. Sandra Larsen Helm

December 20, 2009

Ruth Shoell said:

I am so sorry to hear fo Ida Mae's passing. We have been good friends for many many years with her and the family. Bob and I especially enjoyed our years singing with her in the Timpanogos Choral. May the Lord's blessing be with you at this most difficult time. Ruth Shoell

December 20, 2009

Jay and Delna Macfarlane said:

Sorry to have missed the funeral and viewings. We remember Ida Mae as a Judge of Election for many years and head of the concerts in the park as well. She was in our ward when we established our home in the Monkey Town area. Our thoughts are to you, her descendants. Sincerely, Jay & Delna

December 21, 2009

Arvilla Dodge McInnes said:

Karl, I send my condolences to you on the passing of your mom. When I think of your mom, I associate her with music and the good old P.G. Sixth Ward. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Arvilla Dodge McInnes

December 21, 2009

Kenneth Duvall said:

Dear family, Sorry to hear Ida Mae passed away. May the Lord be with and comfort you at this time. A member of the 6th Ward many, many years ago. Kenneth Duvall

January 17, 2010