Marion Jean Christensen, 96, passed peacefully shortly after midnight on the first day of Spring, Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Peaceful Pines Senior Living. She was born January 18, 1926, at Erwin, SD to Joe and Mabel (Hinz) Larson. She grew up on a farm and attended Erwin High School, graduating as salutatorian in 1945. During her high school years, she enjoyed cheerleading and tap dancing at basketball games. After high school Jean lived for a short time in Texas and Florida before returning to marry her high school sweetheart, Lyle Martin, in December 1945. They moved around the state, living in De Smet, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Gregory, Watertown, Lake Poinsett, Pierre, Winner, and Sturgis. Four children were born along the way: Lynne, Randi, Robert, and Daniel.  Jean's main focus was raising the kids, but later she worked for the Dept of Revenue and Capital Journal in Pierre, the county treasurer's office in Winner, Meade County Schools in Sturgis and National College in Rapid City. In 1987 she married Delbert Christensen, and they enjoyed 19 happy years together. Jean and Del loved relaxing in their home, going for walks and out to eat, spending time with family and traveling to beautiful places.

Jean is survived by her daughters, Lynne (Peter) Greenwaldt, Rapid City and Randi (Rob) Oviatt, Whitewood, and her son, Dan (Julie) Martin, Rapid City; her stepdaughter, Sharon (Larry) Rudolph, Davenport, IA and her stepsons, Dennis (Stacy) Christensen, Denver, CO and Larry (Iris) Christensen, Rapid City; her grandchildren, Cody Greenwaldt, Castle Rock, CO, Megan Oviatt, Sturgis, Liza (John) Lushbough, Rapid City, Cara Oviatt, Sturgis, Nate (Sammie) Oviatt, Rapid City, Anne (Jason) Phillips, Rapid City, Alison (Brad) Short, Rapid City and Molly (Cameron) Price, Rapid City; and 14 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Bob, her husbands, and four siblings.

Our mom was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She adored her role as Grandma Jean as well. She treasured her family and embraced every moment spent with them. She found beauty in nature, loved listening to music and dancing whenever possible. She was always coming up with a comical remark that made us all laugh. She experienced some sad times, especially when she lost her son, but she persevered and carried onward.  Mom was a gentle soul with a caring heart and a warm laugh. She touched the world with her beautiful smile and encouraging words. Our mother loved the Lord and treated everyone she met with kindness. We will miss her dearly, but her beautiful spirit will live on in our hearts forever.

Memorials will be made to Alzheimer's research or a tree/park bench in Jean's name. The family would like to thank the staff at Peaceful Pines and Monument Health Hospice for their kind, compassionate care of "Grandma Jean Bean".

Memorial services will be held at 1 pm Friday, April 1 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church with visitation one hour before. Burial will follow at Mt. View Cemetery.   A Celebration of Life gathering in her memory will be held at 4823 Cliff Drive after the graveside service.