Dates

• Existence: 1950 - 2001

Biography

Christie York was born on March 12, 1950 to Phyllis and Phillip York. She had three sisters, Faye, Merry, and Allison (Merry and Faye are twins). In 1968 Christie graduated from Iowa Falls High School, and went on to begin her college education at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa. After receiving an Associate´s Degree from Ellsworth Community College in 1970, Christie York enrolled at Indiana University. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Urban Studies from Indiana University in 1972.

After completing her degree at Indiana University, Christie married Raymond A. Smith in March 1976. The marriage ended in divorce in 1981. During their marriage, Raymond was imprisoned in the Iowa penitentiary system for armed robbery. Further information about Raymond A. Smith´s incarceration and trial is included with the personal information about Raymond A. Smith in the Biographical Information series of the Christie York papers. From 1972 to 1988, Christie York worked at Cargill Corn Starch and Syrup in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She began working as a junior chemist and later worked as a process lab technician. In 1988, she began working as a laboratory assistant at San Labs in Cedar Rapids. At this time, Christie York was also a Teaching Assistant at the University of Iowa and an instructor at Kirkwood Community College.

In 1982 Christie York entered the University of Iowa and received her Bachelor´s Degree in History in 1984. She continued her studies in the University of Iowa History Department, receiving her Master´s Degree in History in 1988. York entered the Ph.D. program in History at the University of Iowa. During her years in the University of Iowa History Department, Christie York also served as a Teaching Assistant, Representative to the Graduate and Professional Student Senate, and the Graduate Student Senate. In 1990, Christie York was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award.

In 1993, Christie York began working as a Pharmacy Technician at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC). While employed at UIHC, Christie York was a member of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 12, serving as a local union steward. She also worked on revising the UIHC policies on tardiness and sick leave.

In 1999, Christie York was diagnosed with Lou Gherig´s Disease (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). She died on October 13, 2001 from complications of the disease.

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