Martha Christians

NOTICE: Ellsworth, MN Martha Christians, age 94 of Ellsworth, MN passed away Saturday, October 23, 2010 at the Park View Nursing Home in Ellsworth, MN. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at The Salem Reformed Church of Little Rock, IA with Rev. Brian Hellenga officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Little Rock. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 26th from 2:00 to 8:00 PM, with family present from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Salem Reformed Church in Little Rock, IA. Martha Louise Christians was born August 20, 1916 in Nobles County MN, the daughter of Ben and Ida (Vogt) Dieken. Ben and Ida then moved to Lyon County, IA where Martha attended school through the 10th grade. Martha married Cornelius Christians at the Salem Reformed Church in Little Rock, IA on January 6, 1937. They farmed in the Little Rock, Sibley and Ellsworth area. In 1970 they moved to Ellsworth, MN. Martha was a member of the Salem Reformed Church. She was a member of Willing Workers for many years. After moving to Ellsworth, she worked at the Parkview Manor for many years. She became a widow on January 7, 1988. She was a member of the Ellsworth Senior Citizens and was named outstanding volunteer in 1989. She loved her flower gardens, playing games and cards with her grandchildren. She was called Fishing Grandma for her love of fishing. She leaves to cherish her memory, daughters, Delores (Elra) Kruger of Round Lake, MN and Carol (Larry) Van Briesen of Ellsworth, MN; son, Robert (Candi) Christians of Minnetrista, MN; 9 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Martha was preceded in death by her husband Cornelius; her parents; her brothers, John and Elden; and many friends.