Ruth Irene Christiansen

Ruth worked as a secretary at Dow Chemical in her 20s. Although her future husband also worked at Dow, it took a friend setting them up on a blind date for them to meet. The date was a success, and together Ruth and Tom welcomed seven children.

Ruth left Dow to take on her most fulfilling role of being a mother. In her spare time, she loved to sew and make clothes and costumes for her children, and later grandchildren. Ruth also enjoyed gardening, knitting, crocheting, needlework, and crossword puzzles. Once all her children headed off to school, she had a small wallpaper business with her neighborhood friend. Ruth’s natural gift for interior design allowed her to turn a hobby into a nice business. Not one to be shy, Ruth often had opinions and advice for her family and loved to share those even after her children were adults. Whether they liked it or not, her children will admit that most of the time, mom was right.

Above all else, Ruth loved her family and nothing gave her more joy than when they were together. Through the years the family grew, and Ruth was blessed with 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She loved rocking her grandchildren and great grandchildren and spent many hours doing so.

On Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at age 85, Ruth Christiansen was called home. She was surrounded by her loving family, and will be missed tremendously.

Ruth is greeted by her husband Thomas Jens Christiansen and great grandson Owen Pax Wright Crawford, who she is probably rocking in heaven right now. Her brothers Robert & Donald Christilaw were also there for her.

Her life and legacy will continue to be honored and celebrated by her loving children Mary Sue (Bob) Gaston, Cathleen (Jerry) Shipley, Thomas Jens Christiansen Jr. (Elise May), Julia (Bill) Hebding, Sarah (Scott) Elkins, Ellen (Jerry) Franks, Eric Christiansen (Tri Suwal).

Grandchildren Emily (Shahin Jamea) deAyala and Eliza (Drew) Reinking, Andrew (Lyndsie) and Noah Shipley, Caitlin (Clint) Crawford, Alex (Justine Quick), Samuel and Daniel Gaston, Anna Christiansen, Isabella and Olivia Wood, Lily and Wyatt Franks and Matthew May.

Great grandchildren Liam Christiansen, Emma Shipley, and Cora Ruth Crawford.

Ruth is also survived by her sisters Jane Sutton, Mary Mauch and Susan LaPorte, brothers. Robert and Donald Christilaw.

Monday, June 20, viewing at Sparkman Crane Funeral Home, 10501 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Tuesday, June 21,gravesite ceremony at Dallas/Ft. Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy. Dallas, TX 75211 at 11:30 AM.

Memorials may be made to your favorite charity.