Christine Melisa Rising Payne, 39

Christine Melisa Rising Payne unexpectedly left us to be with our Lord on Aug. 16, 2015, surrounded by family and friends. Christine was born May 16, 1976, in Sunnyside, Wash.

She lived her early years in Goldendale, Wash., and Post Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Post Falls High School, Class of 1994.

At 19, Christine decided her purpose in life was to help Mike raise his children. Mike and Christine were married Oct. 24, 1998, and she never looked back. She selflessly and always put her husband and children first, and loved them unconditionally. Christine had a big love for her family that will always be missed.

Christine was a hairdresser until she went back to college and there, she earned two degrees. She was employed by Pestox in Denver, Colo. Mike and Christine bought their first house in Henderson, Colo., and enjoyed making a beautiful home. Christine loved to travel and she loved her dog, Lulu.

Christine was preceded in death by her cousin and best friend Becky Rising Hearn, with whom Christine got to spend two weeks with in Italy last year. They are dancing together in Heaven, reunited.

She leaves behind her husband, Mike; sons Anthony and Kirk; daughter Christina; parents David and Henrietta Rising of Post Falls; brother Bradly (Kelsy) of Sedro Woolley, Wash. Christine is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins that will miss her greatly.

Rest with God, dear one. A celebration of Christine's life will be held at a date to be announced in Post Falls.