Christy was born on the 14th day of October, 1951, in Phoenix, Arizona. The oldest of three children born to Betty and Bill Carter. Christine Watts, known affectionately to multitudes of Tri-Citians and many others elsewhere as "Christy," whose life was dedicated to service, helping others, and dispensing goodwill, has passed, she was 74.

In 1959 the family relocated from Arizona to California and she thrived in Ocean Beach, California. There, in this energetic, bohemian neighborhood of San Diego, Christy forged a life's personality fearless in the face of challenges, determined in pursuits, respectful to the deserving, friendly, fun-loving. With a brother, Greg, and a sister, Tracy, theirs was a childhood robust in originality.

At 15, she went to work for the San Diego Dispatch, ranging from typesetting to pasting copy for print. The founder and owner of the newspaper saw something in the future marketing whiz and he became "the nearest thing I had as a mentor," Christy said. Christy later attended San Jose State College but would eventually return to her roots in San Diego.

The man who would become the love of her life, Brad Watts, came into Christy's life while she was out on the town with a friend from teenage days in Ocean Beach, he was playing pool and asked Christy to dance. Their romance flourished and lasted until Brad's passing this year.

In 1992, they were ready to depart California and settle in the Pacific Northwest where Brad had roots. The lure of the Tri-Cities brought Brad home where he had been a pipefitter, and he put his hand to work at Hanford. Here, Christy flourished. "I went to work for a radio station at 98.6 the Key," Christy said. "I was eager to get around people."

She was in ad sales and also did voice over work on the air. She also became heavily involved in the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, and Columbia Center Rotary where she became president, and was a member of the Rotary's Charity Board.

When Tri-Cities Prep, a Catholic Church-run school opened in Pasco, Christy became developmental director where she was involved in fundraising, recruiting volunteers, and event management. The school started with 20 kids at the Broadmoor Mall off Road 100 and Interstate 182. "I loved it, I absolutely loved it," said Christy who was present for its first graduating class. In her four years at Tri-Cities Prep, Christy saw her fund-raising efforts bear fruit with building of the new school complex.

Christy moved on with her marketing skills to A-1 Plus Transportation in the Tri-Cities, which served both ambulance and taxi needs in the Tri-Cities. That led Christy to the Ben Franklin Transit System when it contracted with A-1 Plus to provide night service in the Tri-Cities. It began for Christy a nearly 20-year run marketing the needs and hopes of the Ben Franklin Transit System until retiring in 2017 as Marketing and Customer Service Manager.

Christy broadened her service through volunteer efforts by serving as chairwoman of the board for the Carousel of Dreams, and becoming vice president of the Mid-Columbia Veterans Coalition. She was involved with Rotary and many other volunteer endeavors.

Throughout these years of her life, motherhood came into play. Two daughters and a son were born, Deonna in 1973, Jill in 1983, and Dustin in 1988. Christy's retirement was enriched by the enthusiasms of her grandchildren and her participation and involvement in their lives. Deonna's son, Logan Butler; Jillian's daughter, Stella Kelsch, and Dustin's children, Grady and Kynnadie Watts, contributed to a vibrant warmth in Christy's life.

In retirement, she became administrator of the East Benton County Historical Society Museum at Keewaydin. She maintained it on an even keel during the uncertainties of Covid in 2020 and led many positive changes. She was instrumental behind adding "Keewaydin" to the museum's title to enhance it in the eyes of the public.

Christy was preceded in death by Brad, Deonna, and her parents Betsy and Bill. She is survived by Dustin and Jill, by her grandchildren and brother Greg and sister Tracy.

A memorial service for Christy is planned for 2 P.M. Thursday, January 15, at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home, 1401 S. Union Street in Kennewick, WA 99338.