Celebrate Don's 100 years of life

Our former stake patriarch Eldon Greaves passed away on September 24th. His memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, October 7th at 11 am in the stake center, for those who wish to pay their respects and remember this dear man who served and had an impact on many people in our stake over the years.

Stephen Scott Bertoch passed away September 29th, 2025 after 18 years of battling Alzheimer’s disease, surrounded by his loving family in Provo, Utah. Steve devoted himself to the gospel. His committed legacy to serve and love others blessed the lives of all who knew him.

Steve was born in Pocatello, Idaho to Vivian (Bert) and Gladys Bertoch on July 23rd,1949. He grew up there with his two brothers Jack and Mike, and sister Joanne. In Steve’s early years of life it was much spent in sports, fishing and hunting. He grew a passion for golf and serving his Heavenly Father. In the year of 1968 he left to serve a mission in Scotland. A mission that brought much joy to him even in later years of his life.

In 1974 Steve graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelors of science in social work. He would then later attend University of Utah to complete his masters in social work. Although a degree in social work became a much rewarding accomplishment and blessing, Steve considered meeting his loving wife Sandy at a BYU dance his most greatest blessing next to his relationship with his Heavenly Father.

They were married in the Oakland, California LDS temple on June 17th, 1972. He referred to this as a sacred day. They were blessed with 4 children through adoption. Steve remained an ever devoted husband, father and then grandfather. Although being blessed with great grandchildren after the progression of his disease, he found joy in the love he shared for them with his wife that always helped him to remember.

Steve spent his life fulfilling his purpose here on earth by doing the Lord's work in all aspects of his life; through his profession with Lamanite Placement, LDS Family Services and his personal life with family and friends. He shared his love of the Savior and serving others.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dignity Home Health and Hospice for their loving care and support.

Steve is survived by his wife, Sandra, their 4 children: Melissa, Daniel, David, and Jared, 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Vivian (Bert) and Gladys Bertoch and siblings Jack and Mike Bertoch.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 at 10:30am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: 2530 Boone Rd SE, Salem, OR

Lydia Marlene Christensen

December 29, 1934 — August 17, 2025

On August 17, 2025, our beloved Lydia Marlene Christensen passed away peacefully at the age of 90 surrounded by loved ones. She was born on December 29, 1934, in Burley, Idaho, to James Clifford and Lydia Samantha (Lee) Thompson, and grew up in Rupert, Idaho where she enjoyed a happy childhood.

At 16 years old Marlene fell in love with John William (Bill) Christensen. They were married on April 30, 1951, in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together they shared 68 loving years of marriage and raised nine children. Due to Bill’s military service the family lived in 15 different cities over the years and although this was challenging, Marlene stayed strong and cheerful through it all.

Marlene dedicated her life to her family. As a homemaker she lovingly taught and cared for her children. She always strived to point them to God and dedicated a portion of her time to serving in her church. Everyone who came into her home felt welcomed and loved. She had a warm smile and hug that always made you feel a part of the family.

She was a woman of many talents, such as sewing, crocheting, cross-stitch, embroidery, canning and cooking. Marlene had a love of reading and delighted in cheering on her children and grandchildren in their sporting events. For many years, she and Bill enjoyed square dancing together making many memories with friends.

Marlene is survived by her children Becky Gamble (Rick), Lorna Johnson, Jay Christensen, Rex Christensen (Tamra), Gary Christensen (Mary), and Laurie Christensen and by her sisters Darlene Hammond and Carol Sloat. She was preceded in death by her husband John William (Bill) Christensen, her children Pamela Christensen, Jeanette Pistorious, and Randy Christensen, her siblings Maxcene Mercer, Lloyd Thompson, Ray Thompson, Leroy Thompson, Lyle Thompson, and Paul Thompson.

Her greatest joy was her posterity. She is lovingly remembered by 34 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren, and 4 great- great grandchildren who love and adore her.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2530 Boone Rd SE, Salem, Oregon. The viewing is at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

She was loved by all who met her. She will be dearly missed, but memories of her are forever in our hearts.

Memorial Services for Marilyn B Williams:

Viewing will be held;

Thursday Oct 2, 2025, at 7:00 pm. 

Johnson Funeral Home

134 Missouri Ave Salem, OR 97302

Memorial service;

Friday October 3, 2025 at 11:00 am.

LDS Turner Ward Chapel 

3645 Cloverdale Dr SE, Turner, OR 97392

Please feel free to share  

All are invited to attend  

Join us in honoring a woman who truly left her mark in the world.

It is with sadness that we announce that Sister Carol Southam passed away on Monday. There will be a viewing at the Virgil T. Golden funeral home Saturday, July 15, from 9-11 am. The funeral service will take place at the Boone Road building from 11:30-12:30, with a graveside service at Belcrest Cemetery at 3:00 pm.