Verla Sharon Christensen
Our beloved sister, aunt, and friend, Verla Sharon Christensen, peacefully passed away at her home on Sunday, July 26, 2026. While our hearts are heavy with her passing, we find comfort in knowing she was welcomed home with open arms by her loving Savior, her parents, and the many family members and dear friends who have gone before her.
Verla was born on June 8, 1950, to James and LaVerda Christensen. She spent her entire life in the home where she was raised in Salt Lake City, a place filled with cherished memories. The members of the Windsor/Cottonwood Park Ward became her second family, blessing her life with enduring friendships and a loving community that meant so much to her. She enjoyed sports and was a good athlete, both playing and coaching softball and volleyball.
Verla worked for many years in the accounting department at Surety Life. After retiring, she found one of her greatest joys serving as a crossing guard for the Granite School District. She truly loved the children she helped safely cross the street each day, and they loved her just as much. On holidays, she delighted in surprising them with candy, and in return they often brightened her days with handmade cards and small gifts. Through her work, she also formed lasting friendships with fellow crossing guards that continued long after their days at the crosswalk had ended.
One of life's greatest blessings came when Verla met Claudette Dill. Together with Verla's cousin, Cheryl Brown, the three became inseparable. They shared countless adventures, laughter, and treasured memories. Affectionately known by her nieces and nephews as "the crazy aunts," they filled every gathering with fun, humor, and love. Their friendship brought immeasurable happiness to Verla and countless joyful moments to our entire family.
Verla had a generous heart and found great fulfillment in serving the children at Primary Children's Hospital. She faithfully served for many years on both the Telethon and Festival of Trees boards, raising thousands of dollars to support the hospital's young patients and their families. She treasured the friendships she made alongside the remarkable women with whom she served, and their love and respect for her were evident throughout the years.
Our family extends our deepest gratitude to everyone who lovingly watched over Verla in her later years. We are especially grateful to the members of the Windsor/Cottonwood Park Ward, both past and present, her lifelong friends, and our extended family. Your kindness, compassion, and countless acts of service blessed her life more than words can express. We will always be thankful for the love you showed her.
Verla will be remembered for her testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, her gentle heart, unwavering kindness, faithful service, and the genuine love she shared with so many. Though she will be deeply missed, her example of compassion, friendship, and quiet devotion will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know and love her.
Verla is survived by her brother, Arthur Partridge, nieces, nephews and cousins, all who loved her very much.
In Verla's honor, a Celebration of Life will be held on Monday evening, August 3, 2026, 7:00 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4350 South 1100 East, Salt Lake City. Everyone is invited.