Christine A. Reeder

Christine A. Reeder died Dec. 24, 2008 at her home in Libby from natural causes.

She was born Oct. 26, 1949 in San Gabriel, Calif. Her family moved to Palmdale, Calif., in 1954 where she began grade school. During her senior year at Palmdale High School she was a student worker for a judge at the Lancaster Court House. She graduated from California Lutheran College in Encino. She taught grade school for several years earning the distinction of teaching her second-graders fractions.

Missing family, she moved to Nevada City, Calif., and purchased a home. While in Nevada City, she worked for Grass Valley Group in electronics. To further her career, she attended college at night studying electrical engineering.

Eventually, she purchased a home in Lake Tahoe. Her two best friends of 25 years, Jan McHugh and Chris Donaldson, moved in with her and shared the work. She worked for Sierra Design Labs, making the quick frames that made the “Shrek” and “The Toy” movies, among others. She soon became manufacturing manager.

Later, her health was failing and she was advised to quit work. She decided to sell her home and recuperate in Mexico where she consulted with doctors and worked toward better health. Her friend, Jan McHugh, went with her, staying in Sayulita, the mountains and the hot springs in San Miguel de Allande.

After much searching, Ms. Reeder purchased a beautiful 10-acre parcel in Libby and remodeled a home.

She lived there for more than 10 years and worked as general manager for Libby Tool for four-plus years before retiring.

Ms. Reeder enjoyed Palmdale High reunions and kept in touch via e-mail, having known most of her friends since first grade. She was a talented musician, playing the guitar and piano. She wrote lyrics and music to 47 songs, author of two novels, and an excellent artist with stained glass, etched glass, woodcarving and woodwork.

She is survived by her parents, Connie and Erv Reeder of Libby; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

At her request, no funeral service was planned. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby handled arrangements.