Marcella Christensen

Marcella Mae Christensen, 79, of Atlantic, Iowa, and formerly of Anita, Iowa, passed away Friday, March 5, 2010, at Colonial Manor in Anita.

Marcella was born December 23, 1930, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Henry and Hazel (Leopold) Little. Marcella was raised in Lincoln and attended school until the ninth grade. She later met and married Willis Merritt and moved to Anita, Iowa. One daughter, Catherine was born to her marriage with Willis. She later divorced Willis and met and married Clyde Watkins. Two sons where born to her marriage with Clyde, Rodney and Rolland. Clyde passed away and Marcella later married Merlyn Christensen. To this marriage her daughter Katrina Christensen was born. Marcella remained living in Anita until her husband Merlyn passed away, at which time she moved to Atlantic, Iowa, to be near her children and grandchildren. She remained in her own home in Atlantic until her health began to fail her and subsequently moved to Colonial Manor in Anita.

Marcella was very dedicated to her work at Colonial Manor being a cook there for over twenty four years. She also enjoyed sewing, ceramics, crafts and spending time with her family.

Survivors include her daughter Catherine Hankemeier of Atlantic, Iowa; her sons Rodney and Rolland Watkins of Omaha, Nebraska; and her daughter, Katrina Christensen and her friend, Chad Kelly of Atlantic; her grandchildren: Scott Jensen of Marne, Iowa; Teresa Harris, Shawn Williams, Ashley Wedemeyer, Stormy Schmitt, Donaven Christensen all of Atlantic, Iowa; Amanda (Geoffrey) Hazen of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Stacey and Jordan Watkins of Des Moines, Iowa; Zachary (Michell) Watkins of Red Oak, Iowa; her great-grandchildren: Shayla Libby, Heather Harris, Kody Harris, Rhegan Butler all of Atlantic, Iowa, Courtney Nawtzke of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Cameron Watkins, Dante Watkins and Alexander Woodhull all of Red Oak, Iowa; her brothers: Rod (Betty) Little and Robert (Elaine) Little both of Lincoln, Nebraska.; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Marcella was preceded in death by her husbands, Clyde Watkins and Merlyn Christensen; her parents; her sister, Charleen Brown; and her brothers, Rollie and Roger Little.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at Hockenberry Family Care in Anita, Iowa.

Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Anita, Iowa.

Hockenberry Family Care in Anita, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be left at www.hockenberryfamilycare.com.