Cheryl Christine Christensen

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Cheryl (Cheri) Christine Riess Christensen on September 8th, 2024, at the age of 72. Cheri was born on July 8th, 1952, in Monrovia, California, as the eldest child of Frederick Louis Riess Jr. and Mary Ellen Cole. On September 10th, 1960, she was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where she remained an active and devoted member throughout her life.

Cheri graduated from Los Altos High School in 1970. Two years later, in 1972, she graduated with honors from Moorpark College with an Associate degree. Later that year, she attended Brigham Young University and eventually completed her education at California State University, Bakersfield, earning a Bachelor’s in Education and her teaching credentials in 2004.

While attending college, Cheri worked tirelessly to support herself, taking jobs as a house cleaner and seamstress for baby clothing. She was a dedicated stay-at-home mother until her youngest child turned four. In 1986, she began working part-time as a noon aide at her daughter’s school, and a year later, she started working full-time as a Physical Education instructor for the Palmdale School District. Cheri later transitioned to become an elementary school librarian, a role she cherished for 18 years. In 2005, she achieved her goal of becoming a teacher and retired from the Palmdale School District after 25 years of dedicated service.

Cheri was the eldest of four children: Cheryl Riess Christensen, Cathy Riess Pitt, Mitzi Riess Churchman, and LaVar Riess. On July, 18th, 1975, Cheri married Robert Dee Christensen in the Los Angeles Temple for time and all eternity. Together, they had three children: Jennifer Ann Christensen, born in 1976, Nika Marie Christensen, born in 1979, and Trevor James Christensen, born in1982, 

Cheri’s family continued to grow with the marriages of her children. Jennifer Ann Christensen married Russell Gene Horton in 2001. Together, they had two children: Matthew Russell Horton, born in 2003, and Katelyn Dee Horton, born in 2007. Nika Marie Christensen married James Allen Ramos in 2008. They had three children: Ariana Shea Ramos, born in 2009; Aiden James Ramos, born in 2012; and Austin Robert Ramos, born in 2014.

Cheri was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Dee Christensen, who passed away on 2004, her father, Frederick Louis Riess Jr., who passed away on 2012, and her mother, Mary Ellen Cole, who passed away on 2001.

Cheri was passionate about many things in life. She was an avid Harry Potter fan, a love she nurtured while working as a children's librarian, and she cherished her visit to Universal Studios’ Harry Potter World with her son, Trevor. She collected unique tin cans, made beautiful crafts, and spent countless hours creating handmade cards, wreaths, and ornaments for her loved ones.

Her greatest joy, however, was her role as a mother and grandmother. Cheri poured her heart into her family, becoming involved in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, PTA, church leadership, and supporting her children’s activities as a team mom. Her love and dedication to her family were unparalleled.

The funeral service to honor and celebrate Cheri’s life will be held on Saturday, September 21st, 2024, at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1150 Gary Dr., Oxnard, CA 93033.

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