Crystl Murray-Mills

1977 - 2026

Aug 31, 1977 - Jan 6, 2026

Crystl Murray-Mills of Spokane, Washington, died peacefully on January 6th, surrounded by friends and family after a brief stay in the hospital. Born in Bountiful, Utah, on August 31st, 1977, her sudden and untimely passing ended a life defined by compassion, service, and fierce independence.

Love was her method. Crystl's Spokane community reached from her neighborhood dog-walking group to the Spokane Club (which she called her second home) to her treasured professional community at the Saranac Building and beyond.

She believed in education, hard work and was deeply committed to helping others. After earning her Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) she was licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and had just been accepted into the University of Southern California Doctor of Social Work program. She operated a successful and respected independent family counseling business and was known for taking long walks with her clients because, as she said, it's easier for them to talk that way.

Crystl had two guiding stars: her twin daughters Helene and Simone, also known as The Beans. The three of them moved through school, church, community, and the spaces of friends and family together. She was a dedicated and protective mother, always seeking out the best schools and opportunities for her girls: swim team, tennis, travel, learning new things, adopting their little dog Bodhi - they did it all together. She wanted nothing but the very best for her two daughters. Everything she accomplished was for her girls. Her many friends doted on Helene and Simone and will continue to love them endlessly.

As a therapist and clinical social worker, Crystl dedicated her career to children, teens, and families navigating life's most difficult transitions. She described her client work as a "sacred privilege." Just like in her personal life, she approached each client with deep respect, curiosity, and a calm, grounded presence that made it easy to confide in her about difficult things. She was so easy to love.

Her smile lit up the room, and she had a great sense of fashion and style. She loved a great brunch, revisiting a "bad" 80s movie, and taking a soak in the hot tub with a glass of bubbles. She often spent her mornings Instagram-chatting and finding funny memes to send to friends near and far. Crystl was a gifted singer and enjoyed singing in local choirs.

She was deep and possessed a wisdom that made her a quiet anchor for many people. She touched countless lives as a therapist, mentor, collaborator, and friend in Spokane and beyond. Every child who felt safer after a session, every adult who found language for their pain, every family that learned a new way to listen to each other - all are part of the quiet, enduring impact of her life's work.

Crystl leaves behind a diverse group of heartbroken friends, who will always remember her bright mind, beautiful spirit, and unwavering belief in the possibility of healing, even when the path was unclear.

She is survived by her mother; her siblings; Helene and Simone; and her beloved dog, Bodhi Mills.

In the days and years ahead, those who loved her will continue to honor her by showing up for communities with the same courage, compassion, and openness that defined Crystl's time on this earth.

A funeral mass is scheduled at St Aloysius Church in Spokane, WA, on January 29th, 2026. Please check the St. Al's website for details, followed by a reception at the Spokane Club hosted by Helene and Simone Mills.