Monica Christensen

Monica Lynn Bailey Christensen
August 24, 1975 – August 19, 2025

Monica Lynn Bailey Christensen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Clinton, Utah, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, just five days before her 50th birthday. Her four-and-a-half-year-long, courageous battle with pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer reached a climax lasting the entire summer of 2025. The battle ended in a draw when the disease died with her. She departed this life with a strong belief that she will conquer death through Christ’s resurrection and with grace, faith and love—leaving behind a legacy of devotion to her family, her friends, her scouts, her students, and her Savior.

Monica was born on August 24, 1975, in Provo, Utah, to Steven and Marilyn Bailey, longtime residents of American Fork, Utah, and now of Pleasant Grove. She grew up surrounded by love, laughter, and faith as one of seven children. At the age of three, she charmed audiences when she won a local children’s beauty contest.

She attended Shelley Elementary, American Fork Junior High, and graduated with the American Fork High School Class of 1993. At just 17, Monica started studying at Ricks College in the summer immediately following her high school graduation. She earned her associate’s degree from Ricks College before going on to complete her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Southern Utah University graduating in 1997.

While attending Southern Utah University, Monica met her eternal companion, Mark K. Christensen. They were sealed in the Jordan River Temple on September 14, 1996. Together, they built a family anchored in faith and love. Monica and Mark raised four children: Marcus Jacob (1998), Savanna Joy (1999), Bailey Kenton (2004), and Adam David (2007). They lived in Cedar City, Orem, American Fork, and Herriman before putting some roots down in West Point, where they raised their family for 15 years—moving to nearby Clinton in 2021.

Her greatest joy came from being a mother, and later a grandmother to Sunny Zenger, Atlas Christensen, CleoLynn Christensen, Elijah Zenger, and Rome Christensen. She was deeply devoted to her family and relished every opportunity to spend time with her children and grandchildren.

Monica began her teaching career in the Provo School District at Amelia Earhart Elementary. She then taught in the Jordan School District at Monte Vista Elementary and Foothills Elementary before joining the Davis School District, where she taught at Reading Elementary, Bluffridge Elementary, Parkside Elementary, Clinton Elementary, Davis Connect, and Hill Field Elementary.

Although she was licensed in teaching a variety of grades, her heart belonged to kindergarten. She loved witnessing the 'light come on' in the eyes of her students as they gained confidence in reading. Her deep sense of responsibility to her students made it difficult for her to take time off.

Even after her cancer diagnosis in January 2021, Monica continued to teach online, later returning to the classroom in 2023. She taught faithfully until her health declined in Spring 2025, a loss that was heartbreaking to her.

In addition to her career in education, Monica dedicated her time and energy to the Boy Scouts of America, serving as both Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster with Troop 543 from 2020 to 2025. She dearly loved the Scouts and adult leaders she worked alongside.

After her initial cancer diagnosis was determined to be a more hopeful than initially believed, Monica felt she had been given a miracle — additional years of life. She sought to devote what time she had left to do something meaningful, and she considered volunteering with Scout Troop a worthy expression of gratitude. During this time, she had remarkable experiences: witnessing the inaugural class of young women earning the rank of Eagle Scout, participating in many overnight outings including an overnight canoeing trip, at least two Klondike Derbies, and week-long summer camps in four summers at Camp Hunt 2020, Camp Loll 2022, and additional weeks at Camp Hunt, 2023 and 2024. In 2022 completed a Wood Badge Course (T2-590-22) as a member of the Eagle Patrol . Though she fulfilled her ticket, she never sought formal recognition or her beading. For Monica, the joy was in witnessing Scouts grow—being a part of it even if in a small way— and the relationships she gained. She was able to share Scouting experiences with at least one of her sons and/or her husband.

Her years in Scouting became some of the most fulfilling and joyous of her later life. In March 2025, she stepped away from her role in Troop 543 to focus on her health — a decision that was difficult and disheartening for her, as she deeply valued the friendships and memories she made in Scouting.

Monica’s love for life was evident in her many relationships and the simple joys she pursued. She was the first to suggest a board or card game—a passion she got from her father— and could always be found playing with her siblings, in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and children at family gatherings. At reunions and camping trips, she was more likely to be at the game table than at the cooking station, even if it was her turn to cook. Monica also enjoyed various hobbies at different stages of her life including, marching band, choir, volleyball, soft-ball, basketball, speed walking, scrapbooking, cross-stitching, and crocheting.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Monica’s faith was central to her life. Monica served in various capacities through her membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including primary president, primary secretary, primary teacher and many other callings. She strongly believed that when she was in the service of others she was in the service of God.
She faced her illness with courage, resilience, and trust in God. Her unwavering example of perseverance and devotion will continue to inspire her loved ones.

Monica was preceded in death by her grandparents and other loved ones.

She is survived by her husband, Mark; her four children, Marcus (Kambree), Savanna (Anthony), Bailey, and Adam; and five beloved grandchildren, Sunny Zenger, Atlas Christensen, CleoLynn Christensen, Elijah Zenger, and Rome Christensen. She is also survived by her parents, Steven and Marilyn Bailey; her six siblings, Chad (Bridgette) Bailey, Caleb (Juli) Bailey, Tina (Tim) Mair, Tara (Dave) Denniston, Neil (Rachel) Bailey, and Malinda (Mel) Crow; her parents-in-law, Kent and Barbara Christensen; and five brothers-in-law, Eric (Amy), Peter (Jenny), Chad (Melissa), Paul (Katie), and Jared (Britney) Christensen. Monica was close with her family, in-laws, and extended families. She is remembered with love by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held in Clinton, Utah with interment at Clinton City Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate Monica’s life, sharing memories of her love, service, and joy.

Public Viewing:
Thursday, August 28, 2025, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Meeting House of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1288 West 1300 North, Clinton, Utah.

Viewing:
Friday, August 29, 2025, 12:00-1:00pm, Meetinghouse of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1288 West 1300 North, Clinton, Utah.

Memorial Service:
Friday, August 29, 2025, 1:00pm, Meetinghouse of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1288 West 1300 North, Clinton, Utah.

Interment to follow: Clinton City Cemetery

Her family would like to thank the medical professionals at Utah Hematology and Oncology-Ogden Clinic, Huntsman Cancer Institute, CNS (Community Nursing Services) for their professional and caring assistance in her fight with cancer and especially family and friends—old and new—for their support. They also thank Provident Funeral Services.

“We acknowledge the hand of God sustaining her through her struggles and in comforting us in our grief, both directly and also indirectly through the loving support of professionals, family, and friends.”