Christine Louise Leaf

Christine Louise Leaf, fondly known as Chris, was born on March 23, 1958, in Pana, Illinois, to Raymond and Phoebe Marley. She left this world on October 30, 2024, at St. John's Medical Center in Longview, Washington, after a valiant 24-year battle with breast cancer. Throughout her trials, she exemplified resilience and unwavering faith, showcasing her strength and sense of humor in the face of adversity.

Chris graduated from Pana High School in 1976 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Eastern Illinois University in 1980. With a passion for lifelong learning, she nurtured a spirit of curiosity that informed her many hobbies and interests, including gardening, painting, and baking. However, it was not just in her pursuits but in her relationships that she thrived. Chris dedicated her life to her family, embodying the role of a steadfast wife to her beloved husband, Duane, and a devoted mother to her children: Jessie, Allie, Patti and Ron.

A true embodiment of love and faith, she recognized early on that motherhood was her calling, and she committed herself wholeheartedly to curating a loving and faithful family. Chris also showed this type of love outside of her family by spending years preparing and delivering home-cooked meals for Family Promise, a charity that aids the homeless in finding stability and safety in the community. Her legacy of kindness and warmth will endure, as she was a constant cheerleader for her family, particularly for her cherished grandchildren—Vivian, Betty, Daisy, and Henley. Excitement and anticipation filled her heart as she awaited the arrival of her expected grandchild, Baby WestLeaf. She fought every day to be with her family. Chris's faith was central to her identity. As a devout child of God raised in the Catholic church, her life was a testament to a steadfast belief in the Lord. Her unwavering devotion served as a pillar of strength for her family, inspiring them to lean into their faith during life’s challenges. She lived her beliefs daily, reminding those around her of the importance of love, patience, and deep commitment to family.

Chris is survived by her devoted husband, Duane Leaf; her children, Jessie (Brandon) Seubert, Allie (Logan Westom) Leaf, Patti (Josh) Agard, Ron (Kait) Leaf; grandchildren Vivian, Betty, and Daisy Seubert, Henley Leaf, and an anticipated addition to the family, Baby WestLeaf, who is due in February. She is also survived by her siblings: Raymond Marley, Pamela Branham, Mary Marley, Sharon Marley, and George Marley. Her parents, Raymond and Phoebe Marley, preceded her in death. 

Services commemorating her extraordinary life will be held on November 22, 2024, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Longview, Washington. The Rosary will begin at 10:30 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM, and a graveside service at Longview Memorial Park, at 12:00 PM. The day's events will conclude with a reception at St. Rose Catholic Church immediately following the graveside service. All who knew and loved Chris are welcome to join in honoring her remarkable journey and the love that she embodied.

Chris Leaf will be remembered for her perseverance, her unwavering spirit, and the love she so freely shared. Her memory will forever resonate in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. She fought the good fight, she finished the course, and she kept the faith.