In Loving Memory

Christine Joan Lontz

Christine Joan Lontz, a long time Maple Valley, WA resident, passed away peacefully on her own terms on July 9, 2022 in Spokane Valley, WA.  She was born on December 1, 1927 in Seattle, WA to Harry and Mona (Robbins) Swartwood.

Joan, as she was known by, lived in Seattle until the time she was about 8 years old when the family moved to Maple Valley.  She attended Tahoma High School graduating with the class of 1945, and then attended the University of Washington.  Joan worked as a telephone operator when she met Loren "Don" Lontz, and the two were smitten with each other.  The couple would wed in Seattle in 1948.  They began their family with the birth of their children, Suzanne, Kathleen, Loren and Vicki.

Joan, Don and their young family engaged in outdoor activities from fishing trips, berry picking, clam digging, really anything associated with being out in nature.  After the birth of her children, she stayed at home full time to care for her family.  She was proficient at the art of cooking, canning, and sewing and passed that knowledge onto her children.  As the children grew up and moved out of the home, this allowed Joan the time to enjoy her hobbies such as embroidery, crossword puzzles, playing the piano, spending time in her flower garden and her books, oh how she loved her books.  Joan was a voracious reader and loved to write stories and articles for the newspaper.

Don's retirement made time for them to travel, and boy did they travel.  Joan continued to go on fishing trips, taking road trips to visit their children and grandchildren. They made it to such destinations as Mexico, England, Hawaii, and on their 50 ^th Anniversary, the kids chipped in and sent them to the Caribbean Islands.  Sadly, Don passed away in 2009, and Joan remained in Maple Valley until 2017 when she went to live with daughter, Vicki for two years.  She was a fan of the Seahawks and Mariners, especially when they were doing well.  Joan has left a lasting legacy with her children and passed on the recipe for her world-famous potato salad.  She was the epitome of a hardworking, loving and devoted wife and mother, and she will be sorely missed by those having the honor to have known her.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Loren "Don" Lontz; daughter, Suzanne; brother, Harry Swartwood.  She is survived by her children, Kathleen Ditton, Vicki (George) Pennybaker, Loren (Kristen) Lontz; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family, and her beloved cat, Heidi.

Joan will be laid to rest next to her husband in Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA

Please visit the online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com .  Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted in her care.