Nov. 14, 1946 - Sep. 23, 2025
Date of Service: Oct. 18, 2025
RUPERT – Ernest Jay Christensen, a 78-year-old resident of Rupert, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
Ernest was born Thursday, November 14, 1946, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Raymond Henry Christensen and Muriel Christina Crossman. He was welcomed at birth by his brother, Robert; and his sisters, Juanita, Gladys, and Phyllis.
Ernest lived in Jerome and moved to Heyburn in the seventh grade. He attended and graduated from Minico High School in 1965. After high school, he married his first wife, Sharon, and they had two daughters, GayLynn and Shelly. They were later divorced. Four years later he met the love of his life and eternal companion, Carol Ann Owens. They were married February 7, 1976, and later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on February 6, 1982. They had two daughters, Heather and Amy.
He worked at Bonanza Motors for 29 years, retired for two years and then worked at FedEx for six years. He loved going to the temple, going camping, fishing, walking in the woods, and most of all spending time with his family. He served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Elders Quorum President, Bishop, and High Councilor to name a few.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother, sisters, as well as their spouses; a granddaughter, grandson, and great-grandson. He is survived by his wife, Carol Christensen of Rupert, Idaho; daughters, GayLynn Grabowski of Fort Hood, Texas, Shelly Christensen of Tucson, Arizona, Heather (Jimmy) Martinez of Rupert, Amy (Randy) Winn of Burley; 17 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 18, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Rupert 3rd Ward, located at 526 S. F Street, in Rupert. Burial will follow at Rupert Cemetery.
Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, October 17, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church prior to the funeral.
