Beverly Marlene “Bev” Christiansen, 80, passed away December 13, 2023, with her devoted husband David of 39 years by her side, at Brookdale Senior Living, Great Bend. She was born February 15, 1943, at Scott City, Kan., to Merlin and Margaret (Evans) Keyse. Bev married Kenneth Romey on Sept. 16, 1973, in Ellis, Kan. Kenneth died Jan. 17, 1978. She later married David E. “Christy” Christiansen on May 18, 1984, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Great Bend, where they've been lifelong members.
Bev, a long time Great Bend resident coming from Hays and a graduate of Scott City High School, was part owner of Action Video Store until she retired. Bev's hobbies included crocheting and knitting. She was well known for crocheting "scrubbies" even teaching a “how-to” class at the Great Bend Rec Center. Her scrubbies were often purchased for gifts and shipped all over the United States. Beverly also knitted hundreds of dish cloths, lid covers for crock pots and many baby blankets. She also crafted red and white beaded Santa Claus necklaces which were gifted to dozens of young children the month of December.
Bev is survived by her husband, David “Christy” of the home; one daughter, Linda Susan (Keyse) Estep Payne; two granddaughters, Andrea (Estep) Stockton and husband Zach, and Alyson Estep and fiancé Chase Junke, all of Wichita; grandson, Nicholas Estep of Wichita; one brother, David Keyse and wife Carol of Great Bend; two sisters Norene Buehler of Scott City, and Terri Brau and husband Don of Scott City; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Other survivors include her stepchildren; David L. Christiansen and wife Cindy of McPherson, and Jennifer (Christiansen) McClain and husband LD of Ben Wheeler, Texas; step grandchildren and step great grandchildren, Kami (Christiansen) Jessop and husband Greg, Harper and Emery, of Papillion, Nebr.; Chad Christiansen and wife Stephanie, Cade and Evan, of River Falls, Wis.; Bret Christiansen and wife Jackie, Gentri, Hattie and Bodie of McPherson; Laura (Simcik) Gilchrist and husband Paxton, Aiden Ragsdale and Marshall of Ben Wheeler; and Jerry Simcik and wife Savannah, Jamie and Jenna of Ft Collins, Colo.
Bev was preceded in passing by one daughter; Racine Rens; first husband Kenneth Romey; and brother, Thomas Keyse.
The family wishes to extend a special note of gratitude to all of the Brookdale staff, Gentiva Hospice staff and Pam Finley, friend and caretaker, who provided loving care for Bev and her family during her time of need.
Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 12, 2024, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Great Bend, with Rev. Adam Wutka presiding. Inurnment will be in Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend. Memorials may be given to St. Mark Lutheran Church or Kansas Honor Flight, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.