CHRIS LANGSTAFF

Chris, born Christine Bell Davis August 9, 1941, in Colon, Panama, passed from this valley of tears April 18, 2011. Her husband David was at her side, joined by her three children. Chris was a warm and loving soul. Her family was her number one priority, but she also showed great compassion for strays of all breeds. She loved to entertain. She loved the holiday festivities especially birthdays. She loved the excitement of travel and the beauty she found in nature.

From the time they first met, Chris and David loved to hike the mountains. In 1982, their wedding party hiked to the top of Kittitas Ridge where Fr. Michael Fitzgibbons blessed their union. Chris and David had a son, Michael Langstaff. David had a son, Richard, from a previous marriage. Chris had two children from a previous marriage to Dick Gentry; David Gentry and Lisa Gentry. Lisa married Scott Riley; they had a son, Jack, in 2009. Jack was the greatest joy to Chris in the last two years of her life.

She was a full-time mother raising her three children and still found time to be an active reader and movie aficionado. She spent the last 31 years of her professional career as a degreed medical technologist working at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland, Washington.

Throughout her life, she was a devoted daughter caring for her mentor, model and mother, Opal. Chris herself was gravely ill when Opal passed away. While caring for her invalid mother, Chris learned she had ovarian cancer, her greatest fear. During her last two years, Chris showed exceptional strength and courage in her battle. We are thankful for the skills of the medical profession, the thoughts and prayers of all, and finally the Hospice at the Chaplaincy that gave us this extra time with Chris.

Chris is survived by her husband, Dr. David Langstaff, who loved her from the first time he saw her; sons Michael and Richard Langstaff (wife Lek); son, David Gentry; daughter, Lisa (Vogler-Gentry) Riley (husband Scott); grandson Jack Riley; brother Raleigh Davis (wife Helen); nephews Craig, Scott (wife Debbie) and Jeffrey Davis; aunt Ruby Kohler; cousins Genevieve (Kohler) Mann (husband Richard) and Roger Kohler (wife Sue); cousins Rodney, Steve, Rick, and Dennis Sherrell (wife Sue and family); cousins Gordon (wife Gretchen and family), Gary (wife Donna and family); Philip (wife Mary and family).

Chris will be greatly missed by all who knew her. A memorial service to remember and celebrate Chris's life and love is planned for July. May she rest in peace.