Sylvia Josephine Christiansen

Mayfield, Utah - Sylvia Josephine Christiansen passed away June 26, 2025, in Mayfield, Utah.

Sylvia was born to Arthur Clarence Christiansen and Zell Mae Sorensen, October 15, 1924 in Salina, Utah. She was the eldest of 6 children, born to her mother, and spent her childhood in Redmond, Utah, her mom’s hometown and where her parents settled and had planned to make their future. Those plans changed when her father died on December 22, 1928, when Sylvia was just 4 years old. The death of her father put the young family in great hardship. Because of this, she spent periods of time living with relatives in her youth, to help ease the burden on her mother during difficult economic times. These hardships were also endured by Sylvia, her brother Clarence and sister Arlene. Sylvia persevered in spite of these challenges. In her high school years, she and her sister Arlene spent a year living in Hollywood, California with their uncle. This unique experience influenced Sylvia for the rest of her life. Returning to Utah, she spent the remaining high school years with her grandparents in Gunnison, graduating from Gunnison Valley High School in 1942. After graduation, she moved to Salt Lake City, where she found employment at the telephone company and later worked at the Naval Supply Depot in Clearfield, Utah serving in the Civilian Navy Corps, supporting the war effort during WWII.

Through her Aunt Anne Gregerson, who lived in Mayfield, Sylvia met and then married Vearl Albert Christiansen, on September 26, 1949, in Richfield, UT. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti Utah Temple. The couple settled in Mayfield, which was Vearl’s hometown, where they raised a family and worked on the family farm. Vearl worked building homes in the area until he eventually devoted all his time to the growing farm. Sylvia contributed to the household income, working at the Sewing Plant in Gunnison and later at the Turkey Processing Plant in Moroni. Sylvia and Vearl were married for 50 years, at the time of Vearl’s death on January 7, 2000. Sylvia remained in Mayfield until her death. She recently celebrated her 100th birthday in October 2024.

Sylvia loved being a mother and homemaker. Sylvia also loved music and cherished her piano, which she played as often as she could manage. She had also learned to play the accordion. Sylvia was a talented seamstress and enjoyed making clothes for the family, through the years. Life on the farm was challenging and required hard work which Sylvia and Vearl enjoyed and endeavored to pass this work ethic on to their children. Sylvia was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and faithfully served in the callings she received.

Sylvia is survived by her children: Vearl Jr. (Becky) Christiansen of Monroe, Mark (Cindy) Christiansen of West Jordan, Lynn Christiansen of Mayfield, Cheryl (Scott) Luthy of Mayfield, and Larry (Angela) Christiansen of Spring City. 10 Grandchildren, 11 Great Grandchildren, half-brother Jay.

She is preceded in death by her husband Vearl, parents Arthur & Zell Mae and siblings Clarence, Arlene, Kate and Nina.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 3, 2025 in the Mayfield Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina, Utah.