Crista Belle Emerson, 88, passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by love on September 7, 2023 at Pullman Regional Hospital.

Crista was born in San Bernardino, CA on October 2, 1934. She graduated from San Jose State College.

She married Richard Emerson in 1958 and moved to Pullman, Washington where they ran the Empire Department Store until 1981.  Crista was an active member of the community serving on the City Council as well as many other community-based organizations.

She moved to Spokane in 1983 after a divorce and worked as a State Auditor for ESD 101 until 2008.

Crista was a dedicated patron of the arts, a generous supporter to local businesses and to Pullman Regional Hospital.

She is survived by her two children and their spouses, Randy and Kimi Emerson, and Karen and Colin Connacher. Two grandchildren and one great grandchild, Magnolia Emerson and Kaelan Connacher, his wife Brandi and their daughter, Hadee Kae.

There will be a Celebration of Life in Kauai, Hawaii, one of Crista's favorite places, with family at a later date.  Corbeill Funeral Home of Pullman, WA has been entrusted with arrangements.