Mary Christine “Chris” King, 96, died March 16, 2003, at Careage of Whidbey where she had been a resident since July 1992. She would have been 97 on April 3.

Chris was born in Jefferson County, Ala., April 3, 1906, to David C. and Ellen (Logan) McKinley.

Chris first came to Oak Harbor in 1976 at age 70 while her son David was stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. She became a volunteer at Help House and was a willing and eager spokesperson for Help House. She worked hard, in her gentle manner, at changing the image and reputation of Help House and provided a major assistance to the United Way’s campaign. She became the director and continued her efforts to improve it.

An associate said of Chris: “When a sweet, gentle, funny, sharp-tongued and straight-forward grandma-type, tells you something, you’ll believe if even if it requires you to change a strongly held belief. Chris brought about the change Help House and the community needed without people resisting. She did good for the people most in need of help. Pretty amazing for a grandma. Chris, we have learned a lot from you.”

Chris was proud to be Help House’s oldest volunteer.

She was a member of Oak Harbor Church of Christ for the many years she lived in Oak Harbor.

She is survived by her sister, Ellen Taylor of Alabama; her daughter Linda Fields; son David King; three grandsons, Jon, Matthew and Michael King; a granddaughter, Kerri Morris and a great-grandson, Connor Morris.

At her request, no formal funeral service will be held. Private inurnment will take place in Texas.