Christie passed away peacefully on September 24th, 2023. She planned on writing her own obituary down, but never made it all the way through. Her only words were “Thank you to my children for the wonderful memories”. Christie was delivered to this world on August 26th, 1955, in Salt Lake City, UT. She was born to Donald J and Erna Dean Anderson and welcomed into the loving arms of her two big sisters Jeanette and Debra. A few years later she was there welcoming her little brother Don and her baby sister Carey.
Christie could not wait to get out and experience this world. As soon as she graduated high school, she enlisted in the United States Army. She was stationed throughout the southern states and then eventually what was to be her final post at Fort Ord in Monterey, California. She married Marlon “Marty” Gonzalez in 1974. She welcomed her first daughter “Vanessa” into this world in 1975, then her son “Brendon”, in 1976. She divorced in 1978 but not before welcoming her final daughter “Nichole” into this world in 1978.
Christie moved back to Utah with the support of her family. Christie went on to get her nursing License to pursue the career she was made for.
Later she married Gavino “Joe” Valdez in June of 1991. She worked countless hours trying to support her three small children. Never losing sight of the fact that she had a huge support system within her family and friends. She knew the challenges that she would face sometimes and knew the challenges her kids would face. She faced each of these challenges with the heart of a lioness protecting her young. The struggles that she carried on her shoulders most people never got to see, because she never wanted to disappoint anybody. Our mother never had much to give monetarily, but what she had, she gave with all that she had in her heart. She would often make gifts or make baked goods as gifts for everyone she loved. She spent many hours in the kitchen cooking some concoction that she had only so many ingredients for. One thing that she was able to provide was “LOVE”! Anyone who knew her, never had to wonder if she loved you. She either liked you or would pretend to like you! Christie had many health challenges throughout her short life. She was often sick, but regardless did her best to hide her pain from the people who she loved the most. Her go to phrase was “I am fine” or “I am okay” or even “I’m sorry”, not wanting others to worry about her. Christie sewed a piece of her life’s fabric into each soul she touched, but none more than her kids whom she worried about until her final breath. She was welcomed into the arms of her Savior, parents, and her grandma and grandpa Moore, her nephew Shawn and many other angels.
She is survived by her children Vanessa (Rod) Kaye, and their children and grandchildren, Brendon (Lisa) Gonzalez and their children and grandchildren, and Nique (Dave) Mower and their children and grandchildren. Sister; Jeanette (Russ) Farnworth, Sister; Debra (Greg) Baker, Brother; Don (Pam) Anderson, Sister; Carey (Greg)Tomich. She is survived by many family and friends who are the “lucky ones” that got to be a part of her journey through this life.
Christie loved to laugh and play games. She loved visiting with people, which made her the perfect nurse. She loved watching and going to movies and spending time with her kids, grandkids and great grandkids. She loved Red Lobsterand getting to spend time with her family while eating crab legs. She had many adventures and saw many places while here on this earth. Our mom, grandma, sister, aunt and friend will be missed more deeply than she could have ever imagined. Her passing has left a hole in many hearts that can never be filled. Mom has chosen to have a Celebration of life and we will respect all her wishes. She has chosen to have a flag service in recognition of her military service.
Graveside service and flag presentation ceremony will be held at Valley View Memorial Park, 4335 W 4100 S., West Valley City, Utah 84120 Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 11:00am.
Celebration of life or “Aloha Celebration” will be held at the Kaysville LDS Stake Center, 615 N Flint St, Kaysville, UT 84037 Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 1pm.
Please consider this your personal invitation to attend her party!
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at Rogers and Taylor Funeral Home.
