Lisa Rae Warner Askham, 51, of Pullman, passed away peacefully on August 30, after a courageous battle against ovarian cancer. Born July 27, 1967, in Eugene, Oregon, to Dennis and Cherie Warner, Lisa was the quintessential redhead—fiery, stubborn, strong-willed, and opinionated—terms she readily used to describe herself.  She was also loved and admired for her kind, compassionate, and selfless demeanor—that is, between times when others were frustrated by her "redheadedness."

Lisa was an intelligent woman who was deeply motivated to serve others from all walks of life and improve the world around her. That view of life showed in what she chose to study at Washington State University.  She ardently pursued her study of psychology, earning a Bachelor's in Psychology, Master's in Counseling, and was ABD (all but dissertation) in earning her PhD in Counseling Psychology. Even when health problems prevented her from finishing her PhD, Lisa stood proud knowing that if not for the disease she would have been Dr. Lisa Warner Askham.

Family was the most important blessing to Lisa. She dearly loved her children, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, niece, nephews, cousins, and in-laws—staying close to them all throughout her life. In 2001, she married her sweetheart, Scot Askham. The two had a love they described as "like no other" and became devoted helpmeets for time and all eternity.

Lisa found special joy in being grandmother to two grandsons, Peter Arie and Jeremy, and a new granddaughter due in September, whom Lisa greatly wished to meet before her passing.  Inspired by her love of family, much of her time was spent researching and maintaining a rich family history. Lisa felt a special bond with her relatives that extended far beyond the bounds of mortality. She immersed herself in genealogical research when confined to her home, indexing over 100,000 names within one year for the LDS Church Genealogical Society

Family for Lisa didn't always come on two legs, though.  As a young girl, Lisa brought home stray cats and other animals.  When older, she was a firm believer in adopting rescue dogs.  Her last rescue was a little dog named Zoey whom she loved deeply, and who snuggled and lay with her throughout her long battle with cancer even to Lisa's last breath.

Lisa was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her deep and unwavering testimony of the Gospel gave her great support and strength throughout her many trials. She strove to follow the example of Christ as she served those around her.  She had many callings and fulfilled them all with enthusiasm and love.

Lisa relished trying new things and often dedicated her talents as a quilter, crocheter, writer, dancer, card designer, baker, singer, and pianist to uplift and support others. She created her own patterns and designed pieces for friends and family. Lisa made hundreds of baby booties and blankets for the needy donating them quietly with love and humility. In everything she did, she tried to improve herself and the world around her. Lisa had a huge heart filled with love.

While her focus was most always on others, Lisa was not without her own struggles. At age of 10, she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes which she battled with most of her life enduring retinopathy, neuropathy, countless surgeries and hospitalizations, dialysis, a dual transplant and subsequent near-fatal CMV infection all the while combating clinical depression. The transplant cured her diabetes but she suffered numerous complications in the years following and at age 49, the immunosuppressant used to keep the transplants healthy allowed ovarian cancer to take hold.

Lisa never lamented her lot in life, not wanting to be known for the diseases that afflicted her. Everyone who knew her, including her doctors, commented on the strength with which she endured her many trials, rejoicing in her triumphs all with a quiet grace and dignity, choosing to see the blessings of her life.  Lisa counseled others to do the same. She regretted that the diseases took things from her and her family, but she did not feel sorry for herself. She often commented she hated going to doctors but was thankful for their patience and compassionate care.

When doctors told her that she could no longer receive chemo, her only comment was "This is stunning; this sucks."  Nevertheless, she continued to fight, firmly believing she would live despite her increasingly debilitating condition. She did not "go gently into that dark night…"

Lisa firmly believed that "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy" (Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 2:25). She was determined to feel this joy and adopted early on the mantra by which she lived: "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass . . . It's about learning to dance in the rain." She was the perfect example of a loving, beautiful, brilliant, patient, talented, and dynamic person who danced in the rain her entire life.

Lisa is survived by her husband, Scot Askham; her parents, Dennis (Cherie) Warner; siblings, Chelley (Scott) Hogge, David Warner, and Matthew Warner; sons, Derek (Arianne) Askham, and Brian Askham; grandsons, Peter Arie and Jeremy.

Funeral services will be held at the LDS Church located at 1055 NE Orchard Drive on Friday, September 7, at 2:00 p.m. A viewing will precede the service at 12:30 pm in the Relief Society Room of the Orchard Building.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made in Lisa's name to the Whitman County Humane Society in Pullman.