FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.
Kristine Nesheim Powell
08/21/1951 — 11/15/2010
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Iowa City, Iowa
Kristine Nesheim Powell
Kristine Nesheim Powell was born on August 21, 1951 in Iowa City Iowa to George and Joanna Nesheim. She passed away on November 15, 2010 after a 15 year battle with breast cancer. She had family by her side as she passed.
Kris graduated from Bainbridge High school in 1969, and from Western Washington State College in 1973, in early childhood education. Kris truly loved teaching young children. She knew that she wanted to be a teacher from a young age. She taught primary education on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation from 1974 -1975, and in Butte Montana from 1976 to 1981. Kris and William J. Powell were married in 1977. They lived in Springfield Oregon from 1981-83.
Kris and Bill moved to Richland in 1983 and she taught primary education and CBC preschool from 1993-2005, until her health deteriorated too much to teach.
Kris was very active in All Saints Episcopal Church in Richland; she served on Altar Guild, was a Stephens Minister, taught Sunday school and was Co-chairman and Captain of the All Saints Relay for Life team, a cancer research fund raising activity. She was also very active in Seattle Race for the Cure, along with most of her immediate family in the Seattle area.
Kris is preceded in death by her father George Nesheim. She is survived by her husband Bill, her sons Daniel and Brian, and her daughter Kaitlin, her mother Joanna Nesheim, and her sisters Elizabeth, Leslie, Marta and Nancy. Not forgetting her brother David and many nieces and nephews. Kris was well loved and will be sorely missed. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Relay for Life or Komen Race for the Cure.
A memorial, internment of ashes and sharing of "tall-tails" will occur at the All Saints Episcopal Church on December 4 at 2 pm. Your thoughts and memories may also be shared at the online guest book at www.einansfuneral home.com.
My sympathy to all with the passing of Kris. I have fond memories of visiting the Nesheim family. There was always lots of laughter. I remember Kris being very kind, but never taking any guff from a snot nosed little cousin. I know Kris will be missed.
“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death/They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.” Leo Buscaglia
We were saddened to learn of Kris’ death, but share in the comfort of knowing true healing has finally come to her. We will be unable to attend the celebration of her life on Dec. 4, but pray the memories that will be shared will help bring comfort to all who attend. Know our thoughts and prayers are with the Powell and Nesheim clans during this time of loss. Love,
To Bill, Daniel, Brian Kaitlin, Joanna, Chris’ sisters and extended family:
Chris’ walk on this earth was one of valor, gentleness, spirited fun/adventure, generosity, wisdom and more. Just seeing her across the room often comforted me! I will miss her dearly. May God nestle each of you in his/her loving arms and lift you up each day! May you be comforted in knowing her legacy lives in the lives of the many adults and children she touched. I count myself as one of them. I often wondered who received the greatest blessing when she came for prayers and laying on of hands. I always felt blessed by her presence and enduring faith! My heartfelt prayers and condolences.
Where does one start in sharing memories of a sister who was also a great friend.We shared so many wonderful memories and history together. Our family is very close and she was the great instigator of many a fanciful adventure. We will miss our childhood leader.
Kris has touched so many lives through her caring and giving soul. Her beauty lives on through all the people she has touched. Blessing and love to her family in this difficult time.
I’m remembering Kris begging you to sing with the choir at our reunion and how hard we worked on the bass line! Her love of music and your love of her prompted our diligence. She also sat and talked to my sister Becky that day; what a treat. We loved seeing you both for coffee this past spring and we honor you both for your enduring love and compassion. Praying for comfort during your time of remembering and celebrating her life. Your friends, Debbie & Scott
With deepest sympathy. We are so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you. From the Smith cousins.
I remember Kris and her ready laugh. My family visited the whole Nesheim gang in The Dalles, on Bainbridge, and way back at Pacific U. in Oregon. All the cousins had a great time together. We laughed a lot. I know you will miss Kris. My prayers are with you. – Stephanie
So sorry to hear of Kris’ passing. I spent many hours with her when our children attended CBC preschool so many years ago. Whitney is now 23 and shared a class with Brian during high school. So very sorry for your loss. Your mother was delightful!
When we were all kids we visited the Nesheims frequently. Kris and I got stuck at the top of a ferris wheel once; she thought it was s blast and kept rocking the car. I was terrified. Those we love are never truly gone as long as we remember them. I, for one, will never forget Kris.
I am so sorry to hear about Kris’ death. I had hoped you would all have the holidays together. Kris was a brave lady. She knew more than most her age the preciousness of life. I am happy to have known her. She has enriched my life. I remember her hospitality to me and my family as we came for Uncle George’s funeral. I remember her visit as she came to my sister Beth’s wedding. Both of those are special memories to me.
Our last memory of Kris, was three years ago at the church that we were married in. The day before the wedding Kris,Zib,Aunt Jonny and Nancy were cutting up fruit for the fruit cups. Kris suggested that she could make a basket out of the watermelon rind and expertly went to work. The finished product was wonderful! We felt blessed to have cousins, from as far away as WA state, spend the time and money to come to our wedding.
Kris’ life was an inspiration to me and I have encouraged others,battling cancer, with Kris’ story. She faced her illness with courage and grace and I will always remember her quiet,calm spirit. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Powell and Nesheim families.
I will always remember all the fun of our childhood visits but one thing that stands out for me is Kris telling the Little Bunny Frou Frou joke with those looong fingers of hers when she did the bunny ears. We all laughed until it hurt. And how about hide and seek in the dark? Then as grown ups she made me feel okay about my kids sleeping with me by talking about cross cultural studies. What a smart woman! My thoughts are with her whole, big family!
Living in Iowa, I didn’t see a lot of Kris while growing up, but I have a memory and a photo! of her after Marta’s wedding 1983? clowning it up with a rubber spider on her nose! She was a funny, gentle person, and a true leader. Like a big sister, she showed her siblings, and all who knew her, how to live with pain, illness, and adversity with dignity and grace. She has gone ahead to show us all the way. Blessings on her family and all who grieve for her.
“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:6-7
Guestbook for
Kristine Nesheim Powell