Obituary of Joan Beutel Christians

Joan Beutel Christians, 84, of Cornville (Sedona), Arizona. Joanie passed away on March 21, 2014 at her home after difficulties with COPD. She was born on November 18, 1929 in Chicago, IL to Clarence Arthur Beutel & Elna Weig Beutel. She attended and graduated from Loring School for Girls, Beverly Hills, IL in 1947, then attended Pine Manor College in Chestnut Hill, MA. She married H. Charles Christians July, 1949 lived in Middletown, CT, Wheaton, IL, Los Altos, CA and Hinsdale, IL until Charles death in 1987. She moved to Carlsbad, CA in 1989. Soon after she met the Love of her Life, Ronald ‘Ronny’ Butterbaugh they married in Aug. 1997. They moved to Sedona, AZ in 1999 to build their dream home in the Red Rocks. Skilled at playing Bridge (and Canasta with her Mom), she also enjoyed bowling, golf and enjoyed long walks on the beach with Ronny! She caught the largest Muskellunge (muskey) ever caught by a woman on Home Lake at Dairyman’s Country Club, Boulder Junction, WI the summer of 1969 (35 lbs, 55”) a record that still holds to this day. Joanie is survived by her husband Ronald Butterbaugh of Cornville, AZ, older brother Clarence ‘Larry’ Beutel Jr. of Batavia IL, and younger brother James ‘Jim’ Beutel of Phoenix, AZ, Sons Daniel James Christians (Donna) of Sandpoint, ID. Henry Charles Christians (Carolyn) of Los Alamos, NM and Daughter Kimberly Christians Peterson (Dennis) of Carlsbad, CA, Grandchildren Dr. Alicia Christians, Travis Christians, Drew Peterson, Dana Christians, Ian Peterson, CR Christians and Tate Christians, Great Grand Daughter Ava Jules Long, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, friends from all parts of the US, including Suzy Imhaus of Cloverdale, CA, Carol Anderson of Tiburon, CA. Having suffered the last few years of COPD and on Oxygen 24/7, her advice to all of us was ‘Quit Smoking!’ Particular acknowledgement and thanks goes to her husband ‘Ronny’ who attended to her care 24/7 for the last several years. As everyone comments, “He is an Angel!” A small family memorial service will be scheduled in the near future. Thank you to the Hospice Compassus Care providers in Sedona AZ.