F. Lorene Christians, 85 of Champaign died at 2:35 a.m. Thursday, May 24, 2007 at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana surrounded by her loved ones.

A celebration of life will be held from 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Saturday, May 26, 2007 at the Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana. Private burial will be in the Beckman Cemetery, Thomasboro.

Mrs. Christians was born on September 22, 1921 in Paxton, the daughter of Earl and Fern Elizabeth Coon Hendershott. She married Rudolph G. Christians on June 15, 1942 in Jefferson City, Missouri; he died on May 8, 1988.

Survivors include four daughters: Rita (Lester) Frerichs of Armstrong, Ruth Christians of Urbana, Linda (Sam) Pontillo of Longwood, Florida, and Lois (John) Calcagno of Champaign, one brother; Jim (Karna) Hendershott of Champaign and two sisters; Mary Fitton of Rantoul and Marge (Jack) Shilts of Royal , one sister in-law; Marge Hendershott of Paxton and a brother in-law; Alvin Christians of Urbana, nine grandchildren; Rhonda Littlefield, Doug Frerichs, Gayle Frerichs, Amy Halberstadt, Shawn Brenner, Nicholas Pontillo, Angela Pontillo, Catherine Calcagno and Sarah Calcagno, eleven great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one brother.

Mrs. Christians was a graduate of the Burnham School of Nursing in 1942. She was an RN, having worked for Burnham Hospital, McKinley Health Center, private duty nursing and at Cole Hospital.

She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Thomasboro, The Burnham Alumni Association, Champaign County Retired Nurses Association, Champaign County Blue Cross/Blue Shield Board of Directors, Home Bureau, and a Champaign County Election Judge. She enjoyed reading and traveling. Most of all, she treasured her family and the times spent with them.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family for the establishment of the F. Lorene Christians Nursing Scholarship.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.