Jacqueline “Jackie” Lee Christensen

Jacqueline Lee “Jackie” Christensen, 95, of Manito, passed away at Carle Methodist Hospital, in Peoria, at 3:55 p.m., on Friday, June 12, 2026. She was born December 26, 1930, in Pekin, Illinois, to Emma Gent. She married Richard Irwin Thomas and had three children, Roger, Rhonda, and Kevin. She later married Donald Keith Christensen on June 17, 1977, in Manito. He preceded her in death on September 11, 2018.

Mrs. Christensen is survived by two children: Roger (Karen) Thomas, and Rhonda (Kirk) Woiwode, both of Manito; nine grandchildren: Cortney (Shauna), Cuyler (Bree), Cain (Alexis), Aaron (Kristen), Jared (Sara), Heather (John), Amanda (Andrew), Rusty (Emily), Leah (Derrick); five step-grandchildren: Tara, Sara (Alan), Nathan (Kara), Andrew, and Heidi; thirty great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Patricia Meyer-Hedrick; as well as step-son-in-law, Mike Bushong. She was preceded in death by her mother, husband, son: Kevin Dean Thomas; step-son: Scott Christensen; and step-daughter: Christy Bushong.
Mrs. Christensen was a member of Manito Community United Methodist Church. She enjoyed playing bridge and other card games. She was a member of the Red Hat Society. Her hobbies were bowling, fine dining, camping, and traveling to Florida. Along with her husband, she enjoyed dancing at the Elks Lodge, in Pekin.
Visitation will be held at Manito Community United Methodist Church on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the services. Burial will follow the services at Glendal Memorial Gardens, in Pekin. Rev. Steve Oaks will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Manito Community United Methodist Church. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, in Manito, is in charge of arrangements.