Syvilla “Sally” Christian, 91, of Rosenburg, Ore., passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012.

She was born in Waltham, Minn., on Oct. 3, 1920, to Oscar and Florence (Badenschier) Bakken. Syvilla attended grade school in Waltham and high school in Austin, Minn. She married Edward Christian, who nicknamed her “Sally.” Together they raised four children on their southern Minnesota farm. Mom was always busy with gardening and cooking wonderful meals for family and friends. The folks introduced us kids to camping, which we always looked forward to doing. After selling the farm in 1966, the folks hooked up their travel trailer and headed west. They fell in love with Oregon and decided to make Winston their new home. Mom really enjoyed working as an insurance clerk at Mercy Hospital for many years. Mom and Dad spent their golden years traveling, camping and fishing. Mom’s other passion was oil painting. Her family will treasure her pictures for years to come. Mom and Dad were married for 54 years until his passing in 1991. Years later, Joe Johnson and Mom loved eating out and visiting family and friends together until Joe passed away.

We would like to give special thanks to Dr. Joel Lee, Oak Park, Vicky Sanborn and Manor House for all their loving care of our mother and grandmother. Mom finally got her wish of “falling to sleep and not waking up.” We shall dearly miss our wonderful mother. May she rest in peace.

Survivors include Jim (Geri) Christian, Joan (Stan) Mattie, Carol Thompson, Mary (Bill) Christian; seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and another due in March; Mildred Badenschier; brother-in-law, Walt Christian and Eileen Roper, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Extended family is Ann (Mike) Ward, Larry (Sue) Johnson, and John (Karen) Johnson.

A viewing was held 3 p.m. Jan. 18, 2012, and funeral services were held 11 a.m. Jan. 19 at Taylor’s Family Chapel in Winston.