Norma Jean Christensen

Norma Jean (Fillacy) Christensen, 98, of Winifred passed away Sunday, February 25, 2024 at the Central Montana Nursing Center in Lewistown. She was born in Coline, Michigan on April 3, 1925. She was the daughter of Elizabeth Tyler and John Fillacy.

Norma grew up in Michigan with her six sisters, father, mother, and later a stepmother. She met Arlie Christensen SR. after the war and was married on December 21, 1945. On November 28, 1947, a son was born, Arlie Christensen, JR. “Butch”. When Butch was five years old, they moved to Montana to pursue an opportunity on Arlie Christensen SR., uncle’s ranch in Winifred, MT. They worked at the ranch for several years, Norma worked right alongside Arlie Sr. until he developed multiple sclerosis. They decided as a family to continue with the ranch work.

Norma was a member of the American Lutheran Church, Legion Auxiliary, DAV Auxiliary, CMMC Auxiliary at ALCAW, Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, and an active member of the community.

Some of her life accomplishments include teaching Sunday School and Bible School for several years, Farmer’s Union Class, ALCW Secretary for 22 years, supported the W.E.A. Education Auctions for Winifred graduate scholarships. She was acknowledged for her workmanship in the Lutheran Church by the Lutheran Brotherhood. She donated many handmade items to bizarres and the Red Hat Society. For several years she also made a gingerbread cookie for each student, in all grades, at the Winifred School (100 plus!).

On Sunday afternoons Norma would be found with her son and grandkids down on the river enjoying the Montana scenery. Whenever possible Norma would attend auctions and garage sales with Butch.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents Elizabeth and John Fillacy, husband Arlie G. Christensen SR., son Arlie “Butch” Christensen, four sisters Catherine Carstens, Veraline Gilman, Donna O’Rorke, Geraldine Tomaszweski, and one great-grandson Lucas Salois. She is survived by two sisters Dolores Tuisku and Judy Putney, daughter-in-law Lynn Christensen, three grandchildren Tyana Bennet, Tara Shipp (John), and Tyler Christensen (Melody), three great-grandsons Brock, Ashton, Rylan, and two-step great-grandsons Trent Salois and Tyler Bennet.

Friends wishing to do so may make memorials to the American Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.

Services will be held at the Winifred Cemetery this summer.