Chris (Chrissy) Bowling passed away on July 20, 2021 at the age of 67.
She was born on July 22, 1953 to Merlin Freddie Northrup and Alice Aree Bowling and was adopted and raised by her maternal grandparents, Albertia (Berty) Margarett Packard Bowling and Henry Agee Bowling.
Chrissy attended and graduated school in Stanfield. She later attended and graduated in 1990 from Blue Mountain Community College. She joined The Church of Latter-Day Saints in the early 1970s and was a devout member for the remainder of her life. She was actively involved in church work and cheerfully served where she could. Chris also served a brief mission to the Iowa Des Moines mission in 1986, but suffered from health issues and had to return home to recover. One of Chris’ greatest missionary experiences was the conversion of her mother, Berty, in her later life. Berty was also baptized into the church.
She never married and continued to live with her mother in their Stanfield home where she grew up and where family and friends were welcome every year by Berty and Chrissy for holidays and visits.
Chris was very talented in art, photography, quilting, sewing, crocheting and shared her handmade items with many people through the years. She won several ribbons at the Umatilla County Fair for her work.
Chris passed away in her sleep at a care facility following a brief stay in a hospital.
Chris was preceded in death by her father, Henry Bowling, and her mother, Berty Bowling, as well as siblings, Russell, Leonard and Donald. She was also preceded in death by Aree, Merlin Sr., Jerry, Merlin Jr., and Jodie.
Chris is survived by her brother, Virgil (who always called her his “little sister)” and his wife, Susie Bowling, of Southern Oregon; sisters-in-law Carol Smith of Stanfield and Barbara Bowling of Hermiston; Kathryn Northrup of Washington; Susie Northrup McKinney and her husband Dan of Texas; David Northrup and his wife Huong of Washington; Paul Northrup of Washington and Loran Northrup of Washington. She is also survived by friends, family friends and many cousins from both Berty’s and Henry’s side of the family and nieces and nephews who will remember her fondly and love her very much.
“I soar with angels and sing with the heavenly choir.”
“Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
A memorial service organized by her good friend Moe Wassom Lewis will be held for family and friends on Monday, July 26 at 10 a.m. at the Hermiston Stake Center, 1035 S.E. Ninth St., Hermiston.
Your presence at her memorial and cards of condolences and favorite memories are joyfully welcomed. Chrissy’s death was unexpected and premature. If you would like to assist the family with funeral expenses, donations can be made to Burns Mortuary of Hermiston.
