CHRISTY MARIE GROSS

Christy Marie Gross, 56, is now singing with the angels and telling jokes with her dad. She was called to the arms of her heavenly father after a long, complicated battle with brain cancer.

Christy was born in Pendleton, Oregon, July 29, 1954, to Willard and Patricia Rohde. Growing up on the family farm, she was a true cowgirl at heart. One of her biggest passions was competitive figure skating. While in high school, she was chosen to participate as a People to People Student Ambassador, touring Europe. As an honors student, she excelled in math and graduated at the top of her class.

While at Eastern Oregon State College, she realized her calling as a teacher. Her activities included the German Club, excelling at dancing and cooking for Oktoberfest. Through Campus Crusade for Christ, she met her future husband, Larry. Christy graduated in 1976 with a BS in early childhood education. Later in 2005, she obtained her MS Literacy through Walden University. Christy touched many children's lives while teaching grades K-5 in Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Her longest teaching position was at Longfellow Elementary in Pasco, WA, which spanned 19 years.

Christy married Larry on September 25, 1982, in Sandy, Utah. They created two children, which in turn gave them four grandchildren. Christy's creativity was expressed through many avenues. Her dry sense of humor enhanced her teaching and her many friendships. As a talented artist, she enjoyed painting and sketching. Her many friends were recipients of her varied beading and craft projects she made with her mother. Christy had a flair for writing. Her coworkers often came to her for literary advice.

She is survived by her husband Larry; two children Paul, 27, and Kyle, 26; her four grandchildren Dalisha, 13, Makaila, 11, Hannah, 9, and Samantha, 6; her mother Patricia Rohde, brother Ross and family, and her many friends, and numerous former students.

A memorial celebration of her life will be held Saturday, January 29, at 2:00 pm at Valley Church in Walla Walla, 549 Newell St.

Express your thoughts and memories at our online guestbook at www.lifetributescenter.com.