Renee Elaine Crawford

Renee was born April 27, 1953, in Arlington WA, to LaVal V. Crawford and Betty L. Smith. Bruce Smith, her stepfather, was also a vital part of her life.

She grew up and attended elementary school in Darrington, WA graduating in 1971. A caretaker by nature, Renee embarked on a career in nursing, advancing her skills as she worked through the ranks — discovering other life passions as she did so.

Her educational journey brought her through Wenatchee Valley College, Gonzaga University and Walden University, culminating in a PHD (Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health).

Renee was blessed to live out her passion across much of the western United States, as a labor and delivery nurse in Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Washington, Hawaii, Arizona and California.

Along the way, Renee became a passionate Zags fan, cheering on the Gonzaga basketball program long before it reached national prominence. She also learned that she much preferred warmer weather, as opposed to the “chill” of Alaska and the northwest U.S. Renee preferred flip-flops to snow boots, and sand to snow. Exploring new places — warm places — was one of her greatest joys. Retreats involving room service and spa treatments (usually at a Marriott) were her indulgence.

Only days before her passing, Renee returned from one last indulgence in Honolulu, made particularly special by the accompaniment of one of her granddaughters (Enna), and her sisters Norrine and Sharon. Family, flip-flops, sand, heat and perhaps a cocktail or two – the perfect retreat!

Renee loved watching each of her grandchildren compete and participate in scholastics and athletics.

Renee was a veteran, having spent much of the career working for the U.S. Department of Health, in Indian Health Services (“IHS”). She assisted in the delivery of thousands of precious new lives into this big World, each a special moment of joy and accomplishment for Renee.

Renee was preceded in death by her parents (Val and Betty) and her stepfather, Bruce. She also follows her daughter, Kristi, to Heaven.

Renee is survived by her son, Arnie (Nicole) Petersen and their three children, Ava, Thomas and Maggie of Billings, MT; her granddaughter Enna Deckard of Billings, MT; her sister Norrine Burt of Marysville, WA; her sister Sharon Crawford of Marysville, WA; her niece Alisha Anderson of North Charleston, SC; her niece Stephanie Cook of Oroville, WA and her cousins, and countless friends.

A celebration of her life will be held this summer in WA, details TBA.