Denise Christianson

Denise Christianson, 77, a longtime Halfway, Oregon resident, died Friday, January 18, 2019 at Meadowbrook Place in Baker City. A Celebration of Life and potluck reception will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2019 - 1:00 p.m. at the Lions Club Hall in Halfway, Oregon. 

Denise was born in Baker City, Oregon in 1941, and grew up mostly in Halfway. Her parents were Billie (Bernice) and William (Bill) Joseph.

Denise was married in 1958 to Cliff Christianson, and for several years they traveled the United States for work. With their mobile home in tow, they had the opportunity to see much of the country.

Their son Mark was born in 1963, and they finally settled in Keizer, Oregon in 1965. Their daughter Kristi was born in 1967, and she spent the next 15 years raising a family.

Divorced in 1985, Denise took a job with an investment company as a property manager in the Portland area, a company owned by another Halfway resident, Dale Denson. Within just a couple of years she took over all of their Oregon assets, managing more than 1200 rental units. She worked for 20 years serving the clients and customers with whom she was involved.

Upon retiring she moved back to Halfway. As a ranch owner and native citizen, she became involved with several local community groups. Denise worked with the Fair and the Rodeo, the Museum and more. She started and ran Friends and Neighbors, providing food for the elderly and disabled. Denise helped with fund raisers, consulted or served on boards and remained very involved with the community until her last days.

She was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Billie Joseph; daughter-in-law Vivian Christianson and brother Paul Joseph.

Denise is survived by her daughter Kristi and her husband Chris Hensley; son Mark Christianson; grandchildren Jessica, Cody, Katelyn Hensley and David Common; 5 great grandchildren; brothers Allen and Keith Joseph; sister Edrie Wheeler-Peer; sister-in-law Linda Joseph; numerous nephews and nieces.

Denise will be missed by a great many people. For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Denise the family requests donations be made to either of her favorite community efforts, the Pine Valley Community Museum or the Pine Valley Fairgrounds through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services PO Box 543, Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com