Crystal Irene Bullis
July 24, 1928 - September 14, 2002
Obituary
Crystal Irene BULLIS
Crystal was born on July 24,1928 in Hurdsfield, N.D. Passed away at Highline Hospital on September 14, 2002 at the age of 74 following a brief illness with cancer. She had many fond memories of her upbringing on her family ranch in the Bitterroot Mountains, just outside of Thompson Falls, MT. Many of her family members still reside in the Thompson Falls area. Diagnosed with rheumatic fever her sophomore year of high school, and bed-ridden for 18 months, she discovered her love of handwork, especially quilting. Her family has been left with many lovely heirlooms that they will always cherish. In the spring of 1948, she met her husband Sidney Bullis and married just three months later. During their 54 years of marriage, they lived primarily in Spokane and the last 34 years in the Des Moines area. Throughout her life she volunteered at her church and in her community. She volunteered as a teacher’s aide in the Highline School System and ten years at Highline Community College in the Visual Resource Center for students with vision problems, taping lectures and labeling the tapes in Braille. Realizing a need for taped Christian materials for the blind and handicapped, she founded the John Knox Taped Library of Christian Materials, now known as Tape Ministries Northwest, which serves people nationwide. Crystal was an avid reader. In addition to her spiritual reading she also enjoyed reading for self-education and enjoyment. Her passion for gardening was also a tremendous source of pleasure that she shared with her husband. Crystal formed many special lifetime friendships with women in her Bible Study group. Those close to her will remember her determination, independence, courage, and her amazing ability to provide encouragement to family and friends. Crystal is survived by her husband Sidney Bullis, her brother Alfred Hamann and wife Justine Hamann of Fall River, MA.; her children Kathleen Roulet and husband Keith of Livermore, CA., Ken Bullis and wife Eileen Bullinger of Seattle, and Ann Bullis of Des Moines. She adored her grandchildren Michelle Roulet, Aaron Hill, Marisa Roulet, Conor Bullis and Graham Bullis. The family wishes to thank the staff at Highline Community Hospital for their compassionate care. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of life at John Knox Presbyterian Church, Normandy Park, on Thursday, September 19th at 1 p.m. Remembrances may be sent to Tape Ministries Northwest, 122S.W. 150th Street, Burien, WA. 98166.