Roma Jean (Gyhra) Christen, 81, of Pawnee City was born September 2, 1935 in Tate, Nebraska to William and Evelyn (Steiner) Gyhra. Growing up, she attended Lewiston Schools until her senior year, when she attended Pawnee City Schools and graduated with the class of 1953. Right after graduation, Roma worked as a waitress at Howell's café in Table Rock. During this time, she met Lawrence Christen while attending a softball game. They were married on April 27th, 1955. To this union five children, James, Carol, Marie, David, and Barbara were born. Lawrence and Roma made their home on a farm near Pawnee City, where they resided for their entire 50 years of marriage until Lawrence's death in 2005. Roma remained on the farm until 2010, at which point she moved to the nursing home in Pawnee City.

Roma was the quintessential homemaker. She was especially well known for her cooking and baking. Fried chicken, as well as homemade bread, doughnuts, and pies were just a few of her specialties. She kept up two large gardens, even planting 200 tomato plants some years. She canned a lot of produce, as well as raised and butchered chickens.  Family was very important to Roma; she enjoyed watching her grandchildren often and exchanged letters with both of her sisters on a weekly basis.  Roma passed away on Friday, June 2, 2017, at the Premier Estates in Pawnee City having reached the earthly age of eighty-one years and eight months.  She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Lawrence, sons James and David, a brother Donald, and an infant brother and sister.

She is survived by her daughters: Carol (Dennis) Antholz of Pawnee City, NE; Marie (Les Gobber) Cumro of Pawnee City, NE; Barbara (Randy) Freeman of Table Rock, NE; daughters-in-law Candice Christen and Patricia (Christen) Fleek; sisters Willa Boerger and Alene Benesch; sisters-in-law Christina Hindera, Mildred (Roy) Puchalla, and Clara (John) Bernadt. She also leaves to mourn 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.  

Graveside Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery in Steinauer, Nebraska with Father Michael Christensen officiating.

A register book will be available to sign on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at The Wherry Mortuary 919 “G” ST. in Pawnee City, Nebraska.

Inurnment will be at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial contribution may be given to Beatrice Community Hospital Hospice 1201 S. 9th ST. Beatrice, NE 68310.

Online messages of condolence can be left at www.wherrymortuary.com

Services are entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-919 “G” ST. Pawnee City, NE (402) 852-2387