Christena Engberson Yates

BRIGHAM CITY - Christena Engberson Yates, 91, passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2005, in her home. She was born August 9, 1914, in Driggs, Idaho, a daughter of Alma and Eve Little Engberson. She married Joseph Lewis Yates on July 23, 1941, in the Logan LDS Temple. She lived in Driggs until the time of her marriage. After one year of marriage, she and her husband moved to Harper Ward, north of Brigham City, Utah, where they farmed and raised their children and numerous foster children.

Christena is survived by 11 children: DeAnna Rae (J.R.) Johansen, who are currently serving as temple missionaries in Aba, Nigeria; Sandra (Daniel) Holdaway, Jolene (Ross) Davidson, Marguerite (Lynn) Wheeler, Joseph Dale (Barbara) Yates, Leland George (Janene) Yates, Alma James (Nicki) Yates, Christena Jo (Stephen) Reeder, David Harper (Vella) Yates, Jay Merlin (Lori) Yates and Sherry Ann (Bill) Steele; 66 grandchildren and 77 great-grandchildren. Forty of her children and grandchildren have served, or are currently serving, missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph, August 2002, and by two daughters, Mary Eve and Susan. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

She graduated from high school in three years and was the top student in her class. She attended the University of Idaho, graduating in 1933. She taught elementary school in Driggs for eight years before her marriage. Christena was always a faithful, active Latter-day Saint. She served in many callings in the Church in Relief Society, Primary, M.I.A., Sunday School, and as a stake missionary. Her family was her greatest joy. She taught her children the gospel of Jesus Christ through teaching and by example, and she has provided a legacy of faith, sacrifice, and love for her beloved posterity.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. at the Brigham City North Stake Center, 620 N. 300 E., Brigham City.
Friends may call on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 205 S. 100 E., Brigham City, and on Saturday from 10:00 to 10:40 a.m. at the North Stake Center.

Interment will be in the Calls Fort Cemetery.
VisitationMyers Mortuary - Brigham City
205 South 100 East
Brigham City, UT 84302
September 16, 2005
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
ServiceNorth Stake Center
620 North 300 East
Brigham City, UT 84302
September 17, 2005
11:00 AM
CemeteryCalls Fort Cemetery

Honeyville, UT
September 17, 2005