Christine Franc Harder Tangvald

Christine Franc Harder Tangvald

June 10, 1941-Nov. 23, 2023

Christine Franc Harder Tangvald joined her Lord and Savior on Thanksgiving morning, November 23rd, 2023 with her children at her side. She is now resting in the arms of Jesus.

Born on June 10th, 1941 to Harry and Franc Lucille Harder, Christine was raised on a Ranch outside of Ritzville, WA with her two brothers, Carl and Paul (Herman) Harder – the three of whom remained incredibly close friends throughout her life. At every family gathering, the three of them could be found together sharing stories and memories, while entertaining everyone around them with their exuberance and laughter.

She attended Washington State University where she was the Lead Majorette for the Cougars for all four years, performing at Football games and other events. She met the love of her life, Roald Tangvald, at a Church Function in Pullman, WA. They were engaged eight days later and were married on July 2nd, 1961.

Christine and Roald went on to have 4 children: Rolf, Thor, Leif and Rondi. Living most of her life in Spokane, WA, Christine was the most incredible mother and caregiver of her family – taking grand care of her loving husband while also giving loving, enthusiastic support to the entire family in every way imaginable. Anyone who came to know Christine understood what it was like to see someone who seized the joy in every day, living each day to its fullest and spreading her positive approach to life to all of those around her.

As her children grew older, Christine began a hugely successful career as a Christian Children's Book writer. She was one of the most sought-after Keynote Speakers at writer's conferences throughout the country for over 25 years. Writers from all over the country would look forward to her speeches, which were always full of fun and laughter, in addition to the classes she taught on her unique and popular style of writing. She was soon joined by her daughter, Rondi, at these conferences and was well known by the leading publishers across the nation. She leaves a legacy of over 100 Christian Children's books in print, and over three and a half million copies published. Her love of spreading God's word through her skillful writing was apparent to all.

Christine LOVED to spend time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whether it was at their baseball games, track meets, softball games, soccer matches, birthday parties, trips to the Oregon Coast or Fun Times at the "Cabin" on Loon Lake! In the 70's and 80's, you could hear her encouraging "Whoo-Hooo!" from the driver's seat of the boat as she got yet another family member or friend up on water skis. Campfires at the lake were not complete without a song, story or smile with laughter from Christine – and she often was the last one to leave the beach to end the nights of stargazing before turning in for the night.

Christine lived her life like an Exclamation Point! – always with a purpose, always with a smile and always with a desire to make sure everyone around her was having the best possible time and the most amount of fun imaginable! Her life was grounded in her unwavering faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, which grew only stronger by the day. Possessing an unbreakable spirit of love, kindness, compassion and JOY, she was a shining symbol of what a true believer can accomplish with humility, grace and an indomitable passion for life itself.

Christine is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Roald Tangvald, and her amazing son, Thor Tangvald. She is survived by her son Rolf Tangvald (De Ann), Leif Tangvald (Tonya), Rondi DeBoer (Brian); Grandchildren Kjerste Dingle (Ryan), Kaitlund Johnson (Josh), Thor Tangvald (Laura), Annika Burkhalter (Colin), Rakel, Christian Tangvald; Rachael, Emma, Belle and Jada DeBoer, six and a half Great Grandchildren, and her Brothers Carl and Paul (Herman) Harder.

Thank you, Lord, for the GIFT that is Christine, a fantastic Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Friend and Servant to others. We celebrate the life of this incredible woman, and celebrate that she has been saved by grace. She has now joined her Loving Husband, Amazing Son and Cherished Parents and others who have gone before her. We celebrate the memory of her Joy, Love, Laughter and Spirit – we know "She Had FUN!" – and we will miss her until the day we are together again in Paradise. Ephesians 2: 8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

A Memorial for both Roald and Christine Tangvald will be held Saturday, January 6th at 12:00 Noon, followed by a reception at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, located at 4320 S Conklin St, Spokane, WA. Mom loved flowers – or donations can be sent in lieu of flowers to the Union Gospel Mission, either online or mailed to PO Box 4066, Spokane, WA 99220-9983.