Anita Christine DeMonbrun Obituary (2023)

Anita Christine "Chris" (Carter) DeMonbrun passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her husband and children, on July 30, 2023. She was 64 years old. Chris was born on February 17, 1959, in Seattle, Washington, the youngest of seven children. After she graduated from Kennedy High School, in 1977, she went on to study education at Seattle University. While in school, she studied abroad in Paris, France. She graduated in 1981. On August 24, 1979, after a long bus ride to meet her mother at Briarcliff Elementary School, she met the love of her life, Mark. They were engaged on February 16, 1980, and married on October 17, 1981. Together they share five children. When Chris had her first child in 1984, she decided to put her career on hold so she could dedicate her time and attention to raising her children. She made sure their days were filled with trips to the lake, drives on the Wee Wee Hill, and their favorite sports. Her evenings were dedicated to fundraising, volunteer work, and odd jobs, that often included the whole family and allowed her to stay with her children. She was also active in the PTA and was awarded the Golden Acorn in 1995. She returned to teaching in 1999. She worked in the Bellevue School District, until 2011 when she relocated to Yakima to be close to her daughters. She retired from teaching in the Yakima School District in 2022. After her retirement, she was recognized for her dedication to the students, and she received the Crystal Apple Award. When Chris wasnt in her classroom, she could be found in a field of sunflowers, growing pumpkins, singing, chasing tumbleweeds, watching storms, bringing home stray animals, or adding fuel to a raging fire. Her exuberance for life was contagious. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to many. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Mark, her five children, Cali (Sam) Hunn, Cara (Aaron) Stilwater, Chase (Jessican Penello) DeMonbrun, Cami (Ryan) Davis, and Chaz (Amanda) DeMonbrun, her grandchildren, Alivia, Theodore, Anderson, Wesley, Colbi and Mackenzie, siblings, Bob (Leanne) Carter, Arlene Carter (Craig Tamura), Hans Carter, Colleen (Jerry) Teahan, Polly (Ward) Henshaw and Jeanie (Clarence) Farley, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother, Mary B. Brown, father, Warren Brown, and granddaughter, Josephine. A Celebration of Life will be held at Valley Life Church (1709 W Nob Hill Blvd, Yakima, WA 98902) on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 2:00pm. A Reception will follow. All friends and family are welcome. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Celebration of Life Valley Life Church Saturday, September 30, 2023 2:00 PM 1709 W Nob Hill Blvd Yakima, WA 98902 Reception to follow.