Karis Louise Craig

Early on the sunny spring morning of June 8, 1985 in Lewisville, Texas, Karis Louise Craig was welcomed into the world by her parents Keith Arnold Craig and Lorraine Louise Lori (Landsman) Craig, and her big sister LeeAnn Michelle. Karis was baptized at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Lewisville, Texas on June 21, 1985. In 1989, shortly after moving to Covington, WA, the family welcomed little sister Briana Lyn; and three years later brother Ronald Keith Ronnie was born to complete their family. Karis loved finally having a baby brother who had dark hair like her. They shared a special sibling bond from the very start. The Craig home was a favorite hangout for many of the neighborhood kids to come play board games and enjoy baking (and eating!) homemade cookies. During her school years, Karis enjoyed participation in Camp Fire Boys & Girls where her mom was the group leader, playing clarinet in the band, taking part in talent shows, and being on the Cedar Heights Jr High gymnastics team. She and her many friends enjoyed numerous memorable overnighters, excursions, and adventures during her teen years. Many joyful holidays, school breaks and summer vacations were spent visiting family. She especially treasured her trips to LaCrosse, WI and spending time with her cousins Larry, Jenny, and Taylor. Summers and holidays were generally spent in Richland, WA at her Gramma Vimy and Papa Gordys with cousins Jeffery, Melissa, Alicia, Brent, and Nina; and later with younger cousins Alexa, Eric, Molly, Cassie, Marc, Chrystyanna, Katrynna and Kyrstynn. Countless hours were spent laughing and splashing in the swimming pool, seeing movies, perfecting cartwheels in the front yard, and eating Gramma Vimys home cooked meals. Gramma Vimy often spoiled Karis by making her favorite meal pot roast and red potatoes with fresh baked wheat bread. In 2001 the family purchased a new home, and she and her family moved from Covington to Tacoma, WA. On March 28, 2004, Karis son, her pride and joy, Stephen Anthony Gordon Odom-Craig III, was born. With the arrival of her son, Karis was inspired to earn her GED through Pierce College in Tacoma, just two months after he was born. Stevie brought so much joy to Karis life. She and her little monster had a special bond. They were best friends who enjoyed movie nights, walks around the neighborhood, and countless trips to the Dollar Store to stock up on necessities like Silly String for family gatherings. She enjoyed their heart to heart talks they would share when in each others company. Karis also shared her love of hiking, 4-wheeling, and the beauty of nature with Stevie. She most of all enjoyed watching him play sports and was so proud of the young man he has become. Karis true passion was serving others. She was most happy when she could brighten the day of another be it offering to watch their children or bringing a friend a meal and staying to visit for a bit. She had a very loving, giving soul, and a huge heart. If a friend was in need, she was there with a helping hand. Karis enjoyed a great affection of nature and especially loved animals. Many orphaned dogs and cats, and even a duck once, were given a home with Karis. Recently she had discovered her talent for interior design, and had enjoyed redecorating the home she shared with her fianc Robby Edwards and her beloved dog Sam. She was especially proud of the beautiful rock garden and flower border she created in their front yard, and was planning a rock retaining wall along their driveway. Unfortunately adversity and challenges were part of Karis adult life; sometimes separating her from those she loved the most in this world. Her struggles were often overwhelming and took a toll on her health. She developed lung issues and dealt with asthma attacks that came on suddenly. Sadly, on Thursday, July 30, 2015 she suffered an acute attack and passed away. Her friends and family are heartbroken with this sudden loss, but find solace knowing that Karis has found eternal peace and is reunited with her grandma Vimy (David) Landsman and grandpa Ronald Craig, who went to eternal life ahead of her. A million times weve needed you. A millions times weve cried. If love alone could have saved you, You never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, In death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a space, No one else will ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, But you didnt go alone. Part of us went with you, The day God called you home. We love you to the moon and back, Weeg! You are forever in our hearts! Karis is survived by her immediate family: son Stephen Stevie Anthony Gordon Odom-Craig III, fianc Robby Edwards, parents Keith Craig and Lorraine Lori (Landsman) Craig, sisters LeeAnn Craig and Briana Craig, brother Ronnie Craig. Grandparents: Gordon Landsman Papa of Richland, WA; Nancee Dunnam, LaCrosse, WI; and LeAnn Craig, Prairie du Chien, WI. Great Uncles: Tom , Warren, Dale & Curt Landsman, Alberta, Canada. Uncles: Steve, Keith, Tim, Matt & Don Landsman all of Richland, WA; John David, Kennewick, WA; Jim David of Spokane, WA; and Jeffrey Richter, Madison, WI. Great Aunts: Odelie Samwald, British Columbia, Canada; Lynda Ooley, Alberta, Canada. Aunts: Lori Hanson, McHenry, IL; Janet Craig, LaCrosse, WI; and Lynn Stecker, Ephrata, WA; and her many wonderful cousins. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday Sept 4th @ 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1111 Stevens Drive, Richland, WA. A Celebration of Karis' Life will be held locally at a later date.