Naomi Christensen

Naomi Christensen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on February 5, 2026. She was a lifelong resident of Teton Valley.

Naomi was born to Hyrum Earl Hall and Myrtle Naomi Marcum Hall in Skamokawa, Washington, on October 14, 1943, where her dad was working in the shipyards during World War II.

She spent her early years growing up on the family farm at Badger Creek near Tetonia, Idaho. Life there was simple, hardworking, and full of character-shaping experiences. The family home was a single long room divided by a curtain where the children slept close together and learned early the values of resilience, responsibility, and love. Though the family later moved to Driggs when the farm could no longer sustain them, Naomi never lost her love for that formative way of life.

Naomi often spoke fondly of her childhood, particularly the time she spent with her parents. Some of her happiest memories included Wednesday afternoons riding out to the ranch with her father—precious one on one time she treasured. From her mother, she learned service and strength, often helping with chores to ease her mother's heavy workload. These experiences shaped Naomi into a capable, generous, and tireless servant of others.

In Driggs, where her father worked at the creamery, Naomi discovered "modern living" which included indoor plumbing. The front porch covered in morning glories, a large yard, and neighborhood friendships made town life feel like heaven. Summers were spent sleeping on the porch behind the cover of climbing flowers.

Naomi attended school in Driggs. She loved music, learned to play guitar, and sang in the Silvertones, winning competitions. She enjoyed dancing—so much so that her brothers were bribed by their mother to dance with her.

Her teenage years were full of friendships, mutual activities, and part time work at the hospital, where she became known for her kindness to patients and coworkers alike. She also held her first "real" job at the Spud Drive-In, where she met Val Christensen, and the two bonded over dances and young love. They married and began a lifelong partnership grounded in devotion, laughter, and hard work.

Together, Naomi and Val raised a large family, including multiple exchange students, and her role as a mother defined much of her life. She met each challenge, illnesses, accidents, heartbreaks, and joys, with perseverance and deep love. Church, farm work, family dinners, Yellowstone trips, and drives to Palisades and Jackson Hole were beloved traditions. In time, her family grew to include many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom was cherished.

Naomi devoted 28 years to Young Women's Girls Camp, loved square dancing, and was honored as Farm Wife of the Year. She was an accomplished quilter, creating handmade quilts for nearly every family member's wedding and many charitable causes. She won lots of blue ribbons from the Teton County fairs for her beautiful quilts.

Naomi had many jobs throughout her life besides helping run the dairy farm. She worked as a CNA at the hospital, clerk at the hardware store, school lunch cook (where her cinnamon rolls were legendary), and ran a bed and breakfast at her home.

Her faith guided her life. Naomi participated actively in Church service and cherished her time serving at Martin's Cove (five times), Nauvoo, and the Columbia South Carolina Temple, where she volunteered two days a week. She and Val lived in South Carolina a few years, renovating a plantation-style house, collecting antiques, and loving the experience of a southern life.

Eventually, Naomi and Val moved to Idaho Falls, closing the chapter on Driggs and South Carolina but carrying those memories with them always.

Naomi will be remembered for her strong work ethic, quick wit, creative hands, fierce loyalty, deep testimony, and generous heart. She found joy in simple things--music, dancing, quilts, time with family, and especially fried chicken and potato logs (with ranch dressing).

Naomi and Val celebrated their 65th anniversary on February 1, 2026. Naomi was diagnosed with cancer in 2022. The cancer affected her life and her body, but not her determination and concern for her family and those around her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered until that promised reunion.

Naomi is survived by her loving husband, Val Christensen; and their children, Wayne (Cynthia) Christensen of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Laurie (Coy) Shelley of Pierce City, Missouri; Bruce (Deborah) Christensen of San Antonio, Texas; Valerie (Bruce) Miller of Sandy, Utah; Christen (John) Christensen of Lakeland, Florida; Erik Christensen of Brunswick, Georgia; Misti (Craig) Merk of Anderson, South Carolina; Neil (Lindy) Christensen of Twin Falls, Idaho; Desiree Christensen of Ammon, Idaho; and Kerry (Michelle) Christensen of Landstuhl, Germany; her 39 grandchildren and more than 50 (and counting) great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved deeply and took great joy in supporting, serving, and celebrating.

Naomi is rejoicing in heaven with her parents, Hyrum and Myrtle Hall; her brother, Marc E. Hall and his wife, Cherie; and many other sisters and brothers-in-law; great-grandchildren; and beloved family members and pets.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Coronado Ward, 2055 Coronado. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Saturday from 9-9:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Bates Cemetery in Driggs.

Services will be broadcast live here.