Challis Brett

1946 - 2025

Challis Ann Brett, 79, East Wenatchee WA, passed away December 6, 2025 following a twenty-year struggle with leukemia. Challis was born in Tacoma WA on November 6, 1946 to Chalmers and Evelyn Elliot. Challis the eldest of four children, spent her childhood in the Seattle area graduating from Glacier High School in 1965. Challis had the distinction of being the first girl to letter in boys track and field without running a race or clearing a hurdle but as the team statistician.
Challis met Steve Kaminoff while attending Highline Community College. They later married and made their home in Ellensburg, Seattle and then East Wenatchee. While in Seattle they welcomed a son Josh and a daughter Julie.
Challis met Gordon Brett in 2000 when she answered his personal ad. Challis and Gordon were married in 2001 and honeymooned in Poland. Challis loved traveling through the red rocks of the Southwest and Monument Valley. Another favorite destination were the beaches of the Oregon Coast. Challis also enjoyed ocean cruises with her favorite cruise taking her around Cape Horn.
Challis worked many clerical jobs throughout her lifetime finishing her carrier at North Central Washington Libraries when health issues necessitated an early retirement.
Challis was proceeded in death by her parents and a brother Hollis. Challis is survived by her husband Gordon, her children Josh Kaminoff (Tina), Julie Anderson (Ryan), stepson John Brett, grandchildren Clara, Max, Charolette, Reed and Conrad. Brothers Mark Elliott (Bette), Evan Elliott (Donna), sister-law Rosie Elliott, nieces Rachael Elliot, Chelsey McGuire (Kyle), and a nephew Jessie Elliott (Kim), a grand niece and nephew Avree and Garen Elliott. Special mention goes to four childhood friends that provided Challis a shoulder when needed throughout her decades-long cancer journey. Thank you, Melinda, Chris, Nancy and Lori.
A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date.