Barbara Jo "Bobby Jo" Christensen

Barbara Jo (Bobby Jo) Christensen, a dearly loved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 14, 2025, at her home in Chubbuck, Idaho, after bravely fighting stage 4 cancer for 3½ years.

Born on September 11, 1947, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Vincent and Eula Ellsworth, Bobby Jo leaves behind a legacy of kindness, cherished friendships, and a bright, joyful laugh that lifted those around her. She poured her heart into her family and community, blessing everyone she met with her unwavering love. Her deepest happiness stemmed from her 58-year marriage to her husband, Bob, and spending time with their four children and 14 grandchildren, always cheering them on at every event and milestone. Bobby Jo enjoyed entertaining others in her home and was an exceptional cook and hostess. She had a talent for opening her home to others, creating memories over shared meals and warm gatherings.

Bobby Jo had a tender heart and the ability to make all feel welcome in her presence. She was loved dearly by all her grandchildren who knew they could call her or stop by anytime and receive guidance, support, or just some comfort food. The grandchildren have fond memories of Christmas Eve gatherings, family skits, and fun conversations.

Over the years, Bobby Jo worked as a bank teller, dental office staff member, and video store owner/manager, adding new friends at every stop. Yet she often said her truest calling was being a wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker—roles she cherished above all. She also found joy in serving others, volunteering at the Portneuf Hospital gift shop and devoting herself to her faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Alongside her husband, Bob, she served as a vehicle coordinator for 18 months in the Pocatello, Idaho mission and spent three years serving in the Idaho Falls temple.

Bobby Jo is survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) Christensen; daughters Lisa (Mike) Chambers of Lakeville, MN, and Lori (James) Turpin of Chubbuck, ID; sons Brad Christensen (Amber Hall) of Pocatello, ID, and Cary (Vicky) Christensen of Surprise, AZ; along with her 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, with two more due in August. She is also survived by her sisters, Lynn Gardner of Lancaster, CA, Judy Barnett of Idaho Falls, ID, and Vicky Fisher of Muskegon, MI.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Eula Ellsworth; her brother, Barry Ellsworth; her daughter, Trena Lynn Christensen; and her granddaughter, Britany Turpin.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful staff at the Portneuf Cancer Center.

A funeral service will be held in her honor at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025 at the LDS Church, 4773 Independence Avenue Chubbuck, Idaho. An evening visitation will be held on Thursday, March 20, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 West Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck. Interment will follow the services in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery, 781 E. 1200 N. Shelley, Idaho. 

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