Saturday, February 6, 2010

Judith Carol Criss Dunham 1950 - 2010

Uncle Don and Aunt Judy as I remember them.

Judith Carol Criss Dunham entered into her loving Lord's presence on February 1st, 2010. She was born in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, on March 13, 1950, to Warren and Gladys Criss. As a member of the Army military family, Judy ended up settling in Seattle, Washington, in the family's 20th home in 15 years.

As the only sister of five brothers, Judy was a quick study on honing her skills making mud pies, taking care of the family pets which included, but were not limited to cats, dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, white mice, chameleon, tropical fish, even a piranha, garter snake and a friend's tarantula. She had the opportunity to baby-sit the brothers and, loving horses, she took riding lessons. Some of her more formal lady-like activities included proper tea setting. She even saw the value of having long finger nails to make it easier to pick up bugs. Judy was an easy going avid reader and enjoyed singing in the choir. She was active in church youth activities.

Upon graduation from Redmond High School, Judy enrolled in the University of Washington School of Nursing. Her summer experiences included driving a "Joe" truck selling ice cream bars to children and a homenursing summer mission trip to Bangor, Maine. She was active at the Baptist Student Union and was a resident at the University Christian Union Woman's House. Don was a resident of the Men's house and they cunducted a joint open house at which Judy was a greeter. Mom Dunham was so impressed that she informed Don that he needed to take notice. That began the 35-year love affair between the two of them, the love of each other's lives. Judy began her nusing career at the University of Washington Hospital for one year while Don completed his senior year. They then moved to Yakima where she served at Memorial Hospital's ICU, Dr. Scott Lee's office, and most recently Memorial Hospital Home Health.

Judy was full of life, whether it was raising a garden, raising livestock in the pasture, raising fish in the pond or raising three wonderful children. Catching fish would be a different story; Don may come home with his tail sheepishly between his legs. Don and judy both enjoyed doing outdoor activities with faimly and friends.

Judy is a member of West Side Church where she has displayed her greatest love of all, being a servant of her Lord and Savoir, Jesus Christ. She has served as a Deaconess and as a member and chair of the Children's Ministry Team. Additionally, she has served as a Sunday school teacher and AWANA leader and director. Judy was a lady of many, many different hats. If there were kids there, you most likely could find Judy. Sarari excursion, Bible land, board games, story-time, soccer camp, Daily Vacation Bible School, hiking, campfire, picnic, boating, baking, horseback riding, ladies tea and the list goes on. Judy has touched the lives of so many others in ways we can only imagine. Her bright smile and warm heart truly reflect the love and glory of God.

She was preceded in death by  her father, Warren Criss, maother-in-law, Katherine Dunham and her husband, Donald Dunham.

She is survived by her mother Gladys Criss of Bothell, WA; son Warren and wife Debbie Dunham of Auburn, WA; daughter, Lisa Dunham and friend Bruce Weigel, both of Yakima, WA; son Joshua, wide Shelby Dunham and grandson Ian Dunham of Auburn, WA. She is also survived by her five brothers: Dave Criss of Kennewick, WA; Dennis and wife Barb Criss of Gaston, OR; Dwaine and wife Patti Criss of Escondido, CA; Darrell and wife Charlotte Criss of Auburn, WA; and Dean and wife Debbie Criss of Lynden, WA. Judy is also survived by her three brothers-in-law: Chuck Dunham of Yakima, WA; Calvin and wife Fran Dunham of Anchorage, AK; Herb and wife Robbin Dunham of Wasilla, AK. Additionally, she is survived by nine nieces and 13 nephews.

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