Mary Elizabeth Thornock Christensen, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Thursday, February 1, 2018, in Pocatello. She was 83.

Mary was born April 14, 1934, in Bloomington, Idaho, the 2nd of five children born to George Lorton and Eliza Evalyn Hale Thornock. She was raised in Pocatello, Idaho.

She earned a baccalaureate degree in Education from ISU and taught school before her children were born and again after her youngest went to school. She was an avid reader and life-long learner.

Mary married her eternal companion, Max Bodily Christensen, on June 22, 1956, in the Idaho Falls Temple. They raised their family of eight children in Soda Springs.

From her earliest days to her final moments, music played a big part in her life. She was a gifted pianist, vocalist and piano teacher. She found joy in using those talents to serve others.

She was a hands-on mother and grandma and traveled the country to be at baby blessings, baptisms, and other events of her 43 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. She would say that her greatest achievement was her family, and she loved them dearly.

Mary's life was a true testament of service and love. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she faithfully served in numerous callings. Later in life, she and Max served a mission in the Logan Temple and on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. After Max passed, she again served in the Logan and Star Valley Temples. This service brought her great joy.

Mary is survived by three sons, Bradley and Jolie Christensen of Soda Springs, ID; David and Patty Christensen of Las Vegas, NV; Glenn and Jill Christensen of Mayfield, UT; and five daughters, Suzanne and Curtis Hardy of Grace, ID; Sandra and Tom Shelley of Silver City, NM; Kathy and Scott Bailey of Herriman, UT; MaryAnn and Rick Bailey of Riverton, UT; Leiann and Jeff Birrell of Bluffdale, UT.

Services will be held Friday, February 9, 2018, at 1:00 at the Soda Springs LDS Stake Center. The family will visit with friends on Thursday evening from 7-8 at the Sims Funeral Home and on Friday from 11:30-12:30 at the stake center prior to services. Burial will be at the Bancroft Cemetery.