Betty Ann Christman

Betty Ann (Barnett) CHRISTMAN Betty went home to be with the Lord on May 24, 2011. She was born May 17, 1923 in Edwardsville, IL, the daughter of Edward R. and Ethel Barnett. She passed away seven days after her 88th birthday. Betty will be remembered for her vibrant personality, strong faith, genuine interest in others, loving disposition and beautiful smile.She unconditionally loved her family and life with passion and selflessness.Her joyful spirit and Christ-centered faith defined her life and inspired those around her. She loved to sing, dance and never turned down an opportunity to listen and encourage.Betty was deeply loved by her family and friends and will be dearly missed by those who knew her. She graduated from Edwardsville High School, attended Carleton College in Northfield, MN, and received her Associates degree from Seattle Pacific University.She married Marvin Oliver Christman, also of Edwardsville, IL in December 1945. He was the love and best friend for 66 years. During their early years of marriage, they lived in St. Louis, MO, Greencastle, IN, Boston, MA and Schenectady, NY. They moved to Seattle, WA, for Marvin's work with General Electric in 1950, and never left Seattle. Betty was blessed to be able to remain home and raise their three children.Her greatest passions in life were her family and her church(or faith). She was an active member of the University Presbyterian Church for over 35 years. She was also involved in many volunteer organizations including: Young Life, Bible Study Fellowship, Associated Republican Women, Women's University Club, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and PEO. After her children were grown, she was able to travel with Marvin to many wonderful places in the world. Some of these destinations included: Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, England, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Edward Barnett. She is survived by her husband, Marvin; children: Gary (Amalia) Christman of Tacoma, WA; Denny (Andrea) Christman of Port Orchard,WA; Bev (Jeff) Riedinger of Mason, MI; grandchildren: Julia (Paul) Diamond, Megan (Tom) Christman, Andy Christman, Peter (Katie) Christman, Stephanie (Andrew) Newman, Rachel Christman and Chris Riedinger; great grandchildren: Tyler, Isaac and Isabella. A memorial celebration and service will be held on June 17, 2011 at 1:00PM at the University Presbyterian Church,4540 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105-4591. Memorial contributions can be made to Odyssey Healthcare/Hospice of Palm Springs at 71-777 San Jacinto Dr. Suite 102 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 or The Hearthstone Memory Care Unit, 6720 E. Green Lake Way N, Seattle, WA 98103, in memory of Betty Ann Christman. Betty spent her last days in the warmth of their home in Indian Wells,CA, surrounded by her husband and entire family celebrating her extraordinary life.