Barbara J Christiansen

Barbara Jean Gordon Christiansen passed away on Friday April 2, 2021, surrounded by family after her second battle with cancer.

Barbara was born on November 11, 1946, in Lakewood, Ohio. She was the only child of Janet and John Gordon. As a child she enjoyed horseback riding and even owned her own horse, named Mitzi. She won multiple ribbons and awards for her efforts.

Barbara graduated from Berea High School in 1964 and then attended Ohio University.

At age 18, and due to the influence of the pop music group, The Letterman, which she followed and personally knew, Barbara joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. After her baptism, she transferred to BYU where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications in 1968. After her graduation, she worked at KBYU.

Barbara married Steve Christiansen on May 9, 1975, in the Provo Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She moved to American Fork in 1978 and lived there until her death.

Barbara was a prominent member of the American Fork community. She volunteered on many city committees, including Steel Days, the Library Board, the American Fork Hospital Community Outreach Council, and the city’s 150th birthday celebration. Barbara was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Fork Chamber of Commerce in 2012.

She began her newspaper career with the American Fork Citizen weekly newspaper and served as the American Fork city editor in addition to writing a popular column called “Barb’s Wire.” Barbara later worked for The Daily Herald until retiring in 2012.

Not one to sit idle after retiring, Barbara worked part-time as a writer at Utah Valley University and, in 2018, also began serving on the American Fork City Council.

Barbara was an avid reader. She was always in the middle of at least one book. She was known for her love of animals, most especially cats. She also enjoyed traveling with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Steve, and her four children, Scott (Wendy) Christiansen, Paul (Lorana) Christiansen, Mark Christiansen, and Carol (Feron) Bounds as well as 15 grandchildren.

A public viewing will be held Thursday April 8, 2021, from 6:00-8:00 pm at the LDS church at 455 East 300 North in American Fork and again Friday morning from 9:30-10:30 am at the same location. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am MDT before interment in the American Fork cemetery.

Funeral services will also be broadcast via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/92873069719 Webinar ID: 928 7306 9719