Chris L. Winterbottom, 59, of Pullman, died suddenly and unexpectedly Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, at her home. Chris was born April 30, 1957, in Lewiston, to Pete and Marge Gertonson.
Chris grew up in the Lewiston area, attending elementary, junior and senior high school while there. She was a graduate of the Lewiston High School class of 1975. She attended Ricks College, Rexburg, Idaho, graduating with an associate degree in interior design. While at Ricks, she spent more than a month studying in Israel and other Middle Eastern countries.
Chris later attended Lewis-Clark State College and obtained a degree in nursing. She worked part time at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in labor and delivery, retiring two years ago. Her specialty was teaching childbirth classes.
Chris married her high school sweetheart, Edward Winterbottom, on April 20, 1978, in the Idaho Falls Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together they are the proud parents of five children. Chris had many hobbies and interests, most notably home canning, gardening, food storage, reading, sewing, crafts and homemaking. She was always challenged to keep current as the technological and social world advanced, and keeping in contact with her children as much as possible was a must. A unique talent her children and grandchildren always admired was her ability to sit anywhere around their current home, or property, and call out to her chickens, by name, and then watch that chicken come running and jump up on her lap.
As a young mother with kids at home, she balanced life extremely well. She was supportive, dedicated and highly involved in everything her children were in. This included sports, dance, theater, church youth programs, scouting, swimming and her ultimate favorite, watching her children sing together for any and all occasions.
In her youth, she was a cheerleader at Sacajawea Junior High and at Lewiston High School. Straight arms, high jumps and larger-than-life smiles were a few of her trademarks. Chris was a wonderful teacher. She was always willing to share thoughts and insights, especially those regarding family.
Strong family values, anchored in a testimony of Father in heaven's love for each of us, and a close relationship to Jesus Christ were among her spiritual strengths. She was unafraid to share those feelings with anyone willing to listen. Chris actively served in her church. She had the opportunity to teach high school youth of her church from the Scriptures as a seminary instructor, serving the young women in her church as a youth women's president in the Moscow stake and as a counselor and the young women's presidency in the Lewiston Idaho stake. Her latest church service was as a ward Relief Society president (organization focused on selfless serving), for nearly five years. She helped coordinate meals for families in need, taught gospel principles, cared for ward members through many service opportunities, such as hospital visits and countless other charitable acts of service. She lived the Relief Society slogan throughout her life, "charity never faileth."
She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 39 years at their Pullman home, Ed; children Brent of Kennewick, Brian (Tracy) of Lewiston, Brynn (Ricky) Guzman of Lewiston and Britney (Braden) Schroeder of Mesa, Ariz.; daugther-in-law Mandy (Busch) Winterbottom of Pocatello; siblings Laurie (Monte) Sams of Genesee, Pete (Jerene) Gertonson of Lewiston and Steve (Myrna) Gertonson of Pocatello; mother Marge Gertonson of Lewiston; 13 grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and additional family members; and countless good friends.
She was preceded in death by her son, Bryce J. Winterbottom; and father Peter Gertonson. The family would like to thank the Whitman County first responders, sheriff's office and numerous friends who have so kindly and selflessly shared of their time and energies in their behalf.
Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1055 N.E. Orchard Drive, Pullman. Viewing will occur from 9 to 10 a.m., with services to follow. Donations would be encouraged to local food banks or Family Promise.
On one of her small, hand-crafted, tole-painted stools her children and now grandchildren use is inscribed: "A quilt is a blanket of love and home is where the heart is."
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Saturday, September 10, 10:00 AM
- Location
-
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - Pullman Chapel
1055 NE Orchard Drive
Pullman, Washington 99163
Get Directions - Additional Details
- Burial will follow at Normal Hill Cemetery in Lewiston, Idaho.
Condolences
Mrs. Williams
The death of Mrs. Chris L. Winterbottom is the most devastating experiences a family can face. At times, the loss may seem unbearable. Please know that there are those who care and more importantly Psalm 34:18 tells us that "God is near to those that are broken at heart. Jehovah is the God of all comfort. My prayers are with you and your family. jw.org
Monday, September 12, 2016 1:44 PM
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