As you read this, Marlene Stewart Hewlett Christensen and William Lowell (Budge) Christensen are continuing their great love story by leaving this earthly sphere after prolonged illness, within days of each other after nearly 60 years of marriage. Marlene passed away on March 11, 2016 and Budge followed her shortly thereafter on March 21, 2016.
Marlene was born in Salt Lake City on February 27, 1935 to Lester F. Hewlett and Margaret Ann Romney Stewart Hewlett, the youngest of 5 children, having 2 older brothers, Lester and Charles, and two older sisters, Margaret Ann and Marilyn. Budge was born on October 7, 1932 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Adolphus Eugene Christensen and E. Catherine Burton Christensen. He also was the youngest, having 2 older sisters, Katherine and Elaine. An older brother, Eugene, had passed away 5 years earlier as a toddler.
Marlene grew up an active tomboy, inquisitive, intelligent, loving and outgoing. Her great loves and passions surrounded the full summers she spent on the historic Stewart-Hewlett Ranch in Woodland, Utah. She loved everything in nature and spent her youth fishing and riding her favorite horse Champ. She passed along her inquisitive love of God's creations to her children. It is a beloved legacy from her. She graduated from East High and studied art and education at the University of Utah where she affiliated with Chi Omega.
Budge grew up in the Normandy Heights area of Salt Lake. He had a wonderful circle of friends, many of which have been lifelong. He graduated from East High and later from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri with a degree in Economics. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta. Active in the ROTC, Budge's plans for an LDS mission were interrupted by the Korean War. He served in the "Fighting Finance Corp" at Fort Douglas for several years, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant and later served for many years in Army Reserve. Budge and Marlene met, and after only six dates, they were engaged. On September 5, 1956, they were married by President David O. McKay in the Salt Lake Temple.
Their marriage was blessed with five children in the next eight years, Bill, Wendy, Matt, Mike and Maren. They set a standard of love and inclusiveness that brought many others to them. Their example made their home a welcoming place for family, friends and neighbors. Aunt Marlene and Uncle Budge were beloved. They raised their children with a love and understanding of things that matter most: family, Jesus Christ, and the eternal plan of happiness that enables families to be sealed for time and eternity, and loving friendships.
Budge was a highly respected real-estate appraiser and counselor. In addition to attaining many professional designations, he was a long-time member of the Salt Lake Rotary Club, a counselor and teacher in universities throughout the USA and Vice President of Zions Securities Corporation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Budge and Marlene volunteered in the community and served actively and continuously in the LDS Church throughout their lives. Especially rewarding were their nearly twenty years singing in the Tabernacle Choir. They lived their lives together, loved along the way and left this life as they lived, together. They were known by their loving family as Mutti and Papa.
Marlene and Budge were preceded in death by their parents, siblings and in laws, Lester, Margaret Ann (Vaughn), Charles (Barbara), Marilyn (Steve) and Katherine (Edward) and brother- in- law Joe Tanner and nephews and nieces. They are survived by a sister Elaine Tanner, a sister-in-law Julie Hewlett, their children William (Leslie), Wendy (Stephen Sorensen), Matt, Michael (Val), Maren (Todd Evans) and 20 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family expresses sincere and special thanks to all for loving thoughts, gestures, and service during this time. Especially appreciated is the kind, loving, and competent service providers at the Spring Creek Healthcare Center. Your gentle loving care has touched us forever.
The family welcomes friends and guests on Friday, March 25, 2016 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary located at 260 East South Temple, Salt lake City, UT 84111. Their joint memorial service will be held at the LDS meetinghouse at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday March 26, located at 87 East 7100 South, Midvale, UT 84037. The family will also receive guests prior to the memorial services from 9:30-10:40 a.m.
