Edna Mae Christine Yarte passed away Saturday, September 26th, 2015 surrounded by family after a long battle with kidney cancer.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 am Friday, October 2, 2015 at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City, 4125 Orleans Avenue. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4-8pm Thursday, October 1, 2015 at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.

Edna, known as Christine to her friends and family, was born in 1954 to Clara and Howard Karras in Sioux City, IA. As a child growing up in Sioux City, Christine spent much of her time with cousins and family. She graduated from North High School in 1973 and moved to Long Beach, CA with her family in 1975.

She married in 1979 and had five children, who were the center of her world. Lisa, Ryan, Kristopher, David and Brittany were born between 1979 and 1986 and lived in California until returning to Sioux City in 1986.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed a long career working in the Drapery department of JC Penney’s, thriving within a sense of community through her colleagues and customers. Christine also was a small business owner, running Brisa Ceramics named for her daughters, Brittany and Lisa.

Although much of her spare time was spent with her five children and two grandchildren, she also had a passion for genealogy. She collected elephants and teapots, loved the color purple, and played the piano.

She is survived by her children Lisa, Ryan (Tara), Kristopher, David, Brittany (Brad) and grandchildren Brea and Colin. She is also survived by her sister Patty (Tim) and nephew Silas, and finally, her beloved cat Boo.


Christine is preceded in death by her parents, Clara and Howard Karras, sister Annie Karras and brother Howie Karras.