Chrystal Staloch

August 17, 1922 ~ September 3, 2012

Chrystal Beth (Smith) Staloch, 90, of Ellensburg passed away on September 3, 2012 in Ellensburg. She was born to John W. and Eleanor M. (James) Smith on August 17, 1922 8 miles NW of Trenton, Nebraska on the family farm. Chrystal was the 7th of 9 children and life was very difficult growing up. There was never enough to eat and the clothing wasn’t sufficient for the harsh winters of Nebraska. She attended District #5 Grade School and later Trenton High School.

Her family was a product of the dust bowl era, depression of the 1930’s and WW I. They were good hearted mid-western folks who always found time to help others.

In 1941 she came West with her sister Ferne (Oscar) Marquisse and in 1942, Chrystal attended Tacoma Beauty School. She began working in 1943 for Orville and Lois Rokonan at the Band Box Salon. Chrystal met Clem Staloch, who was in the U.S. Army, stationed at Bowers Field as a traffic controller during WWII. They were married at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in one of those old fashion 3 day wedding affairs on June 20, 1946 in Minnesota Lake, Minnesota. Clem and Chrystal often referred to those times as the good old days.

Chrystal was always very devoted to her family and faith. She looked forward to birthdays and attending Saturday and Sunday mass. She had a great respect for the many priests of St. Andrew’s and especially Father Luyten, her mentor and convert instructor in the mid 1940’s. She was a homemaker and had a great love for children and family.

Chrystal is survived by her husband of 66 years, Clem Staloch of Ellensburg; three sons, Fred Staloch of Yakima, Pat Staloch and Christopher Staloch of Ellensburg; a daughter, Cathy Staloch of Ellensburg; five grandchildren, Travis Staloch, Jared Staloch and Donna (Staloch) Dedrick, Cara (Storlie) Thayer and Dana (Storlie) Ogan; three great-grandchildren, Keely Thayer, Matt Dedrick and Joseph Dedrick; Also her brother, Bill Smith of Federal Way, WA and a sister, Wilma (Larry) Hays of Pasco, WA.

She was preceded in death by her son Clem Staloch Jr.; a grandson, Chris Storlie; her parents, John and Eleanor Smith; brothers, John, George, Maurice and Merle Smith; sisters, Ferne (Oscar) Marquissee and Maxine (Perry) Probasco.

She was an avid walker, as she did not drive and she also belonged to the Aqua Delite Swim Group at Memorial Pool. She volunteered for the Clymer Museum and she donated blood often. She also read with children at Mt. Stuart School.

Donations can be made to St. Andrew’s Preschool in Ellensburg. The family would like to thank the staff at Harborview Hospital, Royal Vista, and Community Health of Central Washington for their compassion and dedication.

Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 6PM on Friday, September 7, 2012 at Steward & Williams Tribute Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2PM on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Ellensburg. Steward and Williams Tribute Center are in care of the funeral arrangements.