Claremont schoolteacher, grandmother, devoted LDS member

Jane Christensen Theobald died peacefully at her home in Mesa, Arizona on September 9, 2017. She was 77.

She was born March 14, 1940, in Safford, Arizona, the 11th child to Victor Christensen and Sarah (Butler) Christensen. She graduated from Safford High School in 1958, and attended Arizona State University, where she graduated in three years with an elementary education teaching degree.

After graduation she moved to California and took a teaching job with the Inglewood School District. It was in California that she met Layton Ray Theobald. The couple was married on March 26, 1966 in the Mesa, Arizona Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple. They made Claremont, California their home for nearly 40 years, raising all five of their kids there.

Ms. Theobald taught grade school in Inglewood, Peoria, Arizona and Claremont. She impacted the lives of many children through her support of AYSO, little league, Claremont’s Fourth of July parades, church activities and countless hours of school activities both as a parent and teacher.

She was a faithful and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served tirelessly in the Relief Society and Primary organizations, where she served the women and children of the church, her family shared. Hers was a life committed to serving and helping others. She continued to help others in her neighborhood, family and church congregation up until her final days. Her greatest joy was serving her family and others in need, her family added.

She was preceded in death by her parents Victor Christensen and Sarah (Butler) Christensen of Safford, Arizona; her husband of 27 years Layton Ray Theobald, of Long Beach, California; and her siblings Colleen Christensen, Corrine Christensen, Phil Christensen and Beth Christensen Ellsworth.

Survivors include her children Linda (Doug) Sellers, David (Stacy) Theobald, Robert (Kimberly) Theobald, Debra (Rod) Steurer and John Theobald; stepsons Layton Theobald and Greg (Donna) Theobald, and several grandchildren.

Memorial services were held on September 14 in Mesa. A graveside service is set for noon today, September 15, at Oak Park Cemetery, 410 Sycamore Ave., Claremont.