Margie Alice Cristler passed away peacefully at her home in Yakima, Washington, on Aug. 10, 2024.
She was born in Seattle, Washington, on Nov. 16, 1943, to Roman R. and Bertha E. (Siepmann) Szelap. The family moved to Onalaska, Washington, in 1948, where Margie attended school, graduating in 1962.
Margie married Edward H. Cristler in1964 and they lived in the Chehalis area for three years, during which time she worked at Green Hill School. In 1967, Ed and Margie purchased Indian Creek Corral, a White Pass packing and guiding business. They loved the mountains in every season and had a real love for the outdoors. They purchased a home and acreage on the river in Prosser, Washington, in 1977, which continued to be Margie’s home until 2019 when she relocated to Yakima. While living in Prosser, she worked for Benton County for 23 years, retiring in 2000.
Margie loved to travel with Ed during their life together. They experienced years of fishing and camping in remote areas, where they enjoyed many sunrises and sunsets together. Looking for wildflowers and enjoying the fall colors were always times of special enjoyment. Ed and Margie took several cruises together, each one holding a special place and memory in her heart.
She treasured digging in the dirt, saying “being raised on a farm, one always loves the awe of planting and reaping the harvest whether from the garden or from flowers.”
Margie gave her heart to God at 12 years of age. She valued a lifetime of fellowship with a world-wide group of Christians, gathering in their homes to worship. She had many friends and treasured each one. She showed great love and care for others.
Margie was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, in 2009; infant son, Raymond Edward, in 1972; parents, Roman and Bertha Szelap; sisters, Loretta Allen and Marlene Stover; brothers-in-law, Richard Allen and Marion Stover; and nephews, Rick Shipman and Steven Allen.
She is survived by her nieces, Maretta (Jerry) Boes, Barbara Shipman, Marilyn (Jack) Haskins and Sharon Allen; great-nieces, Nicole (David) Ross, Jennifer (Sam) Groberg, Samantha (Eric) Vonderscheer and Alicia (Nick) Miller; great-nephews, Douglas Shipman and Brandon (Chelsea) Haskins; as well as many great-great-nephews and nieces’ plus many valued friends.
Viewing is scheduled for 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, at Valley Hills Funeral Home, 2600 Business Lane, Yakima, Washington, followed by a graveside service at 11:30 a.m. at Terrace Heights Memorial Park, 3001 Terrace Heights Road in Yakima, Washington. No flowers please.
