Keith Ray Christensen, 86, passed away at home with his family at his side on January 26, 2023. Keith was a lifetime resident of Malad, most of which was spent at “William’s Grove”. Keith was born on November 14th, 1936, to Orvil C. and Angelina Williams Christensen.

He married his sweetheart, Karen Elizabeth Hansen on April 8, 1957, in Carlin Nevada. It was a small, quaint wedding in the front room of his parents’ home with family members and close friends present. 

The couple's first home was in Port Townsend, Washington where he was stationed with the Navy.  Keith’s last year in the military was in Japan. After discharge in 1961, Keith started his career in ranching. He was a ranch manager for 3 different large cattle companies. In 1974, Keith and Karen brought their family back to settle in Malad. Keith worked as a heavy equipment operator until 2002. In 1987, he and Karen were able to purchase the property near Deep Creek and moved back up to Williams Grove in the summer of 1989. He returned to doing what he loved most in 2003 when he was hired by the Oxford Cattle Association as their range rider.  He rode on horseback the entire Oxford Mountain 7 days a week until he was 75 years old. 

He is survived by his wife of almost 66 years, Karen Christensen and their children, Jim (Rhonda) Christensen, Tammy (Brooks) Allen, Becky (Jerry) Williams, and Debbie (Shane) Howard, 17 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and a sister Angie (Allen) Avery. 

A viewing was held on January 31 from 7-8 p.m. and prior to the services from 11:00-11:45 a.m. at the Horsley Funeral Home 132 W. 300 N. Funeral services were held February 1, 2023, at 12 noon at the 3rd/6th/7th ward chapel, 400 N. 200 W. Malad, Idaho. Burial followed in the St. John Cemetery.