Christine Oswald

Christine Elaine "Chris" Oswald, 66, passed away June 4, 2016 in Utah from complications due to lung disease. She was born August 31, 1949 in Idaho Falls to Catherine and Oscar Bolinder. She was the second oldest child: First, was her big brother Robert, then Christine was born 11 months later, following her were her sisters Lenea and Amy; and then 17 years later, along came her baby brother James.

Chris was raised in Idaho Falls, Rigby, and then Firth, Idaho, where she graduated in 1967. She went on to attend Beauty School and spent much of her life as a licensed beautician. She did many haircuts, colors, and perms in her kitchen; so growing up, her house always smelled of some strong hair product. Chris was also a skilled seamstress. For years she would alter clothes for anybody who needed it. Countless number of people were happy to have found someone to do their alterations for them. She also made many Halloween costumes for friends and family, the most memorable being her poodle skirts.

Chris married Helmut "Ozzie" Oswald in 1968. He was stationed in New London, Connecticut with the U.S. Navy. There they had their first child, Laina, in 1969. Following Laina, their other two daughters, Terra and Anna, were born in Pocatello. She spent many years taking care of Ozzie after he had a stroke, until he died from extenuating heart problems in 1988.

Chris met and spent the remainder of her life with Delbert Carter. Together they enjoyed going camping and fishing. They also helped to raise her grandchildren: Christopher, Theresia, and Aimee King. This would prove to be her most important job in life – being a mother and grandmother. She spoiled all of her kids and loved each one of them dearly. Nobody will ever be able to replace her. Her presence is deeply missed.

Chris was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and younger brother. She is survived by Del Carter, as well as her three siblings and daughters, Laina King of Blackfoot, Idaho; Terra (Terry) Pirrong of Pocatello, Idaho; Anna (Greg) Bakken of Waterford, Connecticut; stepson, Casey Carter of Pocatello, Idaho; seven grandkids (Chris, Theresia, and Aimee, Elizabeth Gerstlauer, Collin and Ryan Bakken, and her youngest, Taylor Pirrong). She had many step grandchildren and three great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews, whom she loved as her own.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 PM on Friday, June 10th at Wilks Funeral Home, as well as one hour prior to the services. The interment will follow the services at Riverview Cemetery, in Firth, Idaho. Memories and condolence may be left for her family in the "Share a Memory" tab..