Christine B. Johnson

June 8th, 1928 – November 8th, 2015

Chris as she was known to most, was first and foremost a Southern Woman from North Carolina.

Mildred Christine Bradshaw was the only daughter born to Isaac Wesley & Lilly Mae Bradshaw on June 8, 1928 in Clinton, North Carolina. She was the only sister of four brothers, Alton, Lloyd, and James who preceded her in death and her only surving sibling Elbert Bradshaw of North Carolina.

Christine graduated in the 11th grade from Clinton North Carolina High School and attended College for one year. Her southern drawl helped her advance her career in the many sales positions throughout her life in Retail retiring from Sears as an Interior Decorator.

She married John Cecil Ward in 1951 in North Carolina and that union brought to her two children, Richard Eugene Ward with his wife Linda, and their children Jeri, JB, Emily and Ben; and Doris Marie Bispham, her husband Roger Bispham (deceased), and her children Carolyn and Aubrey.

Chris had a Large Presence, and was known as a Character who was always laughing and loved to make people laugh and be happy.

Christine was a Southern Baptist. Her baby brother Elbert, a Baptist Minister who resides in North Carolina, had been a loving support to her throughout her life, giving her spiritual guidance through his ministry and love of the Lord. She had a strong belief in the Lord and played the piano for church services many times throughout her life.

Christine married Ralph Guttromson at the age of 48 and has been “Gramma Chris” to many, if not all of the Guttromson family since. Her stepchildren, Moose (deceased), Bill (Paula), Jim (Charlene) and their children Serena, Shalisa and Nathan, Colleen (deceased) & Beverly Marlett (Terry-deceased) and her children Philip and Jubal. Their children were are all a part of Chris’s life here in Spokane for over 30 years. Ralph passed in 1993 after 16 years with Chris.

Christine’s passion was the piano. She taught herself to play the piano by ear at an early age, but really perfected her craft when she retired. Christine was a world traveler. She loved to travel and did so with the many cruises she took all over the world, playing the Piano on each vessel she boarded. She was in various Bands locally here in Spokane, in Wickenburg, Arizona, and on her many cruises. She played anytime she saw a Piano ANYWHERE! Her style of piano playing was much like that of Miss Kitty's Saloon in Gunsmoke. Honkey Tonk...so to speak. It made you smile, just the tone of her playing, and the occasional look over her shoulder to see her audience in smiles many times as she sang. Her music not only was healing to her, but to those around her. The Power of Music!

When Chris remarried in 1998 to George Johnson she became Gramma Chris to his daughter Tracy and her children as well also George’s son Rocky, his wife Val and George’s daughter Cindy. They have all kept in contact with her throughout the years.

Christine was a very happy and cheerful person, always with a smile on her face. Her own happiness was very much related to seeing other people happy as well. She wanted to laugh, smile, and enjoy life. She was ALWAYS laughing. That was who Christine WAS!

Her many great-grandchildren have enjoyed being in her presence throughout the years, and she loved them all unconditionally! Giving us all her unwavering love, support and humor.

Her last years were spent at Evergreen Fountains in Spokane Valley and she loved it there, and the staff loved her upbeat personality and laughter. The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff and friends at Evergreen for the loving care they gave to our mother-Thank you so very much.

Chris, left us ALL her laughter...And forever may we ALL honor you in faith and love and laughter!

A Memorial Service will be held at Evergreen Fountains 1201 N Evergreen, Spokane Valley, WA on Saturday November 14th 2015 at 1:30pm.