Christine Diane Burtness
Christine Diane Burtness, known to her students as “Mrs. Burtness”, passed away on November 17, 2023, at the age of 79. Born on the rarest of days, February 29, 1944, Christine lived a life filled with laughter and adventure. Christine was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
Christine was raised in Fresno, California by her loving parents Jacquelyne and Lewis Heinen. She drove an MG and then a Corvette in high school that she would eventually trade for a van – she complained about that decision for the for the rest of her life. After completing higher education at Fresno State and UCSB, Christine became a science teacher at Santa Ynez Union High School, and in 1978 that same van rolled down a hill in Ballard after being left in neutral with the brake off. She would raise 3 sons and a husband as she worked at the high school for more than 30 years. Her mud-flat field trips, cat dissections, and numerous fish tanks were legendary to both students and her family. Her passion for education extended beyond her retirement as she served as a Santa Ynez Union High School board member for 12 years.
Christine was a giving and thoughtful person, always willing to dedicate time to her community, students, and family. She would lead her young sons on incredible trips to see California’s national parks, beaches, and mountains. As her sons grew older, she would often bring her family camping and hunting at their ranch in Monterey County. In summers and winters as her sons became teens her family would often be in Wyoming skiing at Jackson Hole Resort, rock climbing in the Teton’s, and kayaking on the Snake River. She had a deep love for the outdoors and whether spending time in her garden, exploring Wyoming with her young family, or searching for fossils around the ranch she was always teaching the people around her. In doing so she demonstrated her love for them and gave so much more than she ever asked. The extraordinary life she cultivated for her sons was unique and absolutely formative.
Christine Heinen married Peter G. Burtness on June 14, 1975. Together they were always on the hunt for “a good find”. As a team they bought and sold rural real estate in Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Counties, and eventually Wyoming. It was something they both enjoyed until late in their life together. They also never drove by an estate sale without stopping.
Christine is survived by her son, Peter J. Burtness, daughter-in-law, Annie Burtness, and granddaughter, Vivienne. She is survived by her son Matthew Burtness, daughter-in-law Kristin Burtness, and grandchildren George and Hailey. She is additionally survived by her son Christopher Burtness and daughter-in-law Megan Burtness, and grandchildren Gavin and Hanna. Christine was preceded in death by her husband, Peter G. Burtness, her parents and her brother Stan.
A ceremony to honor Christine’s life will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Ballard on December 2, 2023, at 11 am.
Christine Burtness will be deeply missed by her family, and friends. Her extraordinary strength could be seen in her relentless 18-year fight against breast cancer, and in her skill in continuing to live a full life while doing so. Her legacy as a dedicated teacher, loving mother, and adventurous spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew her.
Loper Funeral Chapel Directors