Christine Elizabeth Painter

Christine Painter was born in Paragould, Arkansas to Ethan Richard Gomer, Sr. and Mattie O’Dell (Kirkley) Gomer. She had one sister and four brothers. Christine helped her mother in the kitchen early in life where she learned skills that would prepare her for later becoming a wife and mother.

As a young adult, Christine became a certified welder at the Kaiser Steel Shipyards in Richmond, CA. It was wartime, and she was a strong and skillful welder. She quickly passed the required skills training and was put on the line to help build “Liberty Ships”. When she explained how she could “lay a straight bead” and carry heavy welding equipment around the decks of the ships, it was clear she was pleased with her service to the country during WWII. Though never prideful, when asked if she liked what she did during the war she would reply, “Oh I loved it! “

Towards the end of the war, Christine married Virgil Edgar Painter who was also from Paragould, Arkansas. After they were married, Christine selflessly and graciously filled her roles as wife and mother. She performed these roles without complaint and with strong determination no matter the hardships that arose for the 70 years of their marriage. As a mother, she managed the household even at times when she also took on extra jobs to help provide for the family. In 1952 her role as wife took on a new title of Pastor’s wife when Virgil was ordained as a minister. She supported her husband through prayer and encouragement. Christine stayed home, taking care of the younger children at times when Virgil would travel with older kids to speak and sing at revival meetings. Whenever the family would practice music in the home, Christine would be working away in the kitchen preparing the meal that would follow the practice session. The smells would permeate the house and we could hardly wait to get to the table for the blessing and meal. She enjoyed baking pies and cakes for church and family gatherings. She made great biscuits and gravy, chicken and dumplings, sweet tea and peach cobbler that everyone craved.

Christine is survived by her children: James David Painter and his wife, Sharon of Canby, OR; Lonnie Wayne Painter and his wife, Sandy of Mariposa, CA; Freda Mae (Painter) Schmelzer and her husband, Skip of Canby, OR; Virgil Allen Painter and his wife, Jennifer of Poway, CA; Sherry Ann (Painter) Claiborne of Walla Walla, WA; Sherman Lee Painter of Walla Walla, WA; and Kristy Janine (Painter) Griffith and her husband, Edward of Roseville, CA; 36 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Mount Vernon Memorial Park and Mortuary, 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks, CA 95628 will be handling all funeral and interment arrangements. Visitation will be held in the Chapel at Mount Vernon on Friday, July 9th from 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Funeral service will be held in the same location from 1:00 – 2:00 PM. Pastor Steven Simpson, Pastor Richard Neely and Pastor Charley Betzner of First Baptist Church of Rocklin will officiate. Burial/ Interment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Park.

Flowers may be sent to: Mount Vernon Memorial Park and Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, 3333 Third Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817-2808. For those that wish to honor Christine’s service to our country, donations can be made to Rosie the Riveter Trust in her honor at rosietheriveter.org

Condolences may be left in Christine Painter’s online guestbook at dignitymemorial.com.