Rose O'Sharon Mathews Christensen

Rose O'Sharon Mathews Christensen, 71, passed away on Feb. 20, 2013, after a 16-month struggle with esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer stole her physical health but not her spirited independence. Rose was born to Howard "Hook" and Nellye (Larsen) Mathews on Oct. 24, 1941, in Oxford, Kan. She graduated from Oberlin High School in 1959, and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in English from Ottawa (1963) and Iowa State (1970) Universities. While studying at Ottawa, she met Jon Christensen. They married on June 7, 1964. Jon preceded her in death in 2010. Rose taught secondary and collegiate English classes, and worked for 18 years as a reference librarian in Rogers, Ark. She was an avid letter writer and maintained many friendships via correspondence. Rose was an active part of the Bella Vista Community Band, Women's Chorale and Judson/Forest Hills American Baptist Church in Arkansas until she sought medical treatment in Loveland, Colo., in 2011. Rose is survived by her daughters, Dana (Michael) Udlock of Loveland and Erin (Brent) Schlittenhart of Kaneohe, Hawaii; grandchildren, Justin Schlittenhart and Jonathan, Thomas, Michaela, David and Joshua Udlock; sisters, Colleen (Ed) Quick of Lawrence, Kan., and A. Sue (Jim) Brodt of Jameson, Mo.; and her aunt, Louise Harris of Jameson, Mo. A memorial service honoring her life will be held 11 a.m. Monday, March 25, at Forest Hills (Judson American Baptist) Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory are accepted at Forest Hills Church, Bella Vista, Ark., or Ottawa University, Ottawa, Kan.