July 31, 1956 - September 8, 2011

As the sun rose September 8, 2011, Claudette quietly passed away after a courageous 10-week battle against lung & brain cancer. The physicians, nurses, certified nursing assistants & sitters on the 6th floor at Kadlec Regional Medical Center were Angels without wings - proving loving and compassionate care to Claudette and her family. We will be forever grateful for each of you.

Claudette was born July 31, 1956, the youngest of four girls, to Ronald and Dorothy Lang in Walla Walla, WA. The family moved to Grandview where, surrounded by numerous cousins, family & friends she grew up, graduating from Grandview High in 1974. She moved to Yakima and was a Life Skills teacher for disabled adults. She was passionate about the clients and her role in their lives; she loved them. She met and married Dan Picton in 1979, making their home in Yakima. A few years later they moved to Liberty Lake where she opened and operated a tanning salon. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and entertaining, her laugh was infectious! Later, after divorcing, she returned to the Tri-Cities to be closer to her family.

Claudette worked 13 years as a secretary and records clerk for a number of Hanford Contractors. In 2006 her health declined and she was unable to work. She loved her cats and adopted and cared for many strays, all of whom grew fat and sassy in her loving care.

Claudette is survived by her mother and caregiver Dorothy Lang of Kennewick; sister and brother-in-law Linda and David Bishop of Richland; sisters Sally Stoddard of Denver, CO, and Debra Lang-Jones of Kennewick. She has 2 nieces and 2 nephews and their spouses; 6 great-nieces; 3 greatnephews; and a large extended family and friends. Claudette, the baby of our family, we miss you so much but know you are now pain free and at peace.

We invite her extended family and friends to join us in a Celebration of Life on September 24, 2011, from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. The Celebration will be at 400 South Wilson, Kennewick, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cats of Benton/ Franklin Animal Shelter would make Claudette smile.

'Though I walk thru the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I shall fear no evil for Thou art with me, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.'