Obituary

Christie Michelle Kamena went home to Heaven on December 22, 2017 after an extended battle with cancer. She was born on July 14, 1968, the fifth child of Bill and Billie Coomer, in Seattle, and grew up in the small Snoqualmie Valley town of Duvall, graduating from Tolt High School in 1986.

She then attended Western Washington University, where she studied to become a teacher. At 18, while a freshman at WWU, she committed her life to Christ, and upon graduation, found the perfect blend of her faith and vocation when she was hired to teach at Evergreen Christian School for its inaugural year of 1991-92. With a couple of breaks, she remained there until last spring, teaching primarily middle school social science and math, but teaching a variety of other subjects and at times teaching grades from 4th to 12th. She was a creative teacher who empowered her students to achieve their best though showing them love and trust, and constantly striving to make learning fun and interesting.

Christie’s faith was most readily expressed through her selflessness. She consistently put others first, and was generous with her time, always willing to go the extra mile to help students and friends. She loved baking, and loved giving away the cookies and pies she made.

Christie was also a fierce competitor. She lettered in volleyball and basketball in high school, played a number of other sports recreationally, and loved playing board games. She also enjoyed puzzles of almost every kind.

Christie is survived by husband Butch Kamena; sons Trevor and Derek; father Bill (Charlene) Coomer of Raymond; siblings Tom (Sally) Coomer of Duvall, Wendy (Rick) Kuether of Monroe, Deborah (Pat) Duke of Olympia, and Marc (Joan) Coomer of Yakima; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service is scheduled for Sat., Dec. 30 at 12 noon at Spring Creek Bible Church, 567 E. Kellogg Rd., Bellingham.