Christine Stanley

STANLEY, CHRISTINE Christine Stanley, owner, operator, and founder of Pinezanita Trailer Ranch died December 21, 2005 at the age of 77. Christine was born November 22, 1928 in Valiant, OK, oldest of 4 children, to LC and Jody Slaton. She moved from Oklahoma to San Diego, CA in 1940. For a short period of time she lived with her grandmother in Pasadena, CA where she went to school and worked as a hostess and waitress. Christine moved to Texas for a short time before returning to San Diego where she volunteered with the USO and worked for a catering company that provided services for the troops leaving for Korea. In 1952, she married Alfred Stanley, Jr., a United States Navy Brig Warden at Port Hueneme, CA. Christine and Alfred Stanley, Jr. started A. Stanley Plumbing in San Diego in 1958. They bought property in Julian, moved there soon after, and continued the plumbing business in the Julian area. She worked along side her husband digging trenches, carrying pipe and hot lead, crawling under houses, installing water and sewer lines for residential and commercial customers, all this in addition to raising 5 children. In 1964, Christine and a partner opened Pinezanita Gift Shop on her property in Julian. They gathered manzanita roots and branches, had them sandblasted, and made floral decorations, many of which were sold for decorating new office buildings in San Diego. Christine not only worked alongside her husband in the plumbing business, but also commuted and worked in San Diego with her mother as a painting contractor. Christine's husband, Alfred Stanley Jr. died in February of 1968. Faced with a daunting task of raising 5 children, she put into motion a business idea that they had for a campground. Christine's father, mother, father in-law and children started to work and Pinezanita Campground was born the summer of 1968, later to be known as Pinezanita Trailer Ranch. Christine's accomplishments: Julian High School board member, Julian Grange member, Julian Chamber of Commerce, Julian Bed and Breakfast Guild, and was instrumental in the first ambulance service in Julian for the back country. Christine is survived by her brother Whalen Slaton of Yuma, AZ; daughter, Betty Morgan; sons: Richard Stanley, Tom Stanley, Jim Stanley of Julian, and Fred Stanley of Encinitas; and four grandchildren: Jeff Burns, Justin Stanley, Brandon Stanley, and Shannon Stanley. Christine touched the lives of so many with her genuine spirit and zest for life. She perservered in the face of adversity to create and share her "little piece of heaven" known as Pinezanita. Her love, compassion, and generosity has touched us all. Always a spare moment to help those in need and placing the needs of others before her own. She instilled inspiration to all of her countless friends and acquaintances, especially to her daughter, her sons, and their families. For all you have done, you are in our hearts forever. Memorial Service at the Julian Union High School in Julian, 10 AM, Saturday, January 7, 2006. Scattering of ashes: private. Arrangements: American Cremation Service In lieu of flowers make donations to: Horizon Hospice, 13053 Poway Road, Suite A, Poway, CA 92064 Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com