| Graduation Year | Class of 1968 |
| Date of Passing | Jul 14, 2023 |
| About | Alison Louise Cordero, daughter of Robert and Virginia Baker, began her earthly journey on August 8, 1950 in Renton, WA and entered into heavenly peace on July 14, 2023 in Salem, VA. Alison graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1968 and Yakima Business College in 1969. She married Mick Childs in 1969, and they have one son, Ryan. Alison started her professional career as a model and cashier at a Yakima dress shop as well as a secretary for Better Business Bureau and for the manager of the Yakima Elks Club. However, East Valley School District was where she spent the majority of her employed life as an administrative assistant at the middle school, high school and, finally, in the district office. It is incalculable how many young lives she influenced, while at East Valley, or how much the community there influenced her life. She was an involved member of the local, state, and national professional associations. In 2008 Alison went to work at the Pacific Northwest University of Health Services in Yakima. It was there she excelled, putting her professional administrative skills to great use. Appropriately, her title was 'Director of First Impressions' which was the perfect position for her welcoming personality. Alison loved her co-workers, and she loved her job. She finally retired in early 2014. Alison was a loving mother, whose life's greatest joy was spending time with her friends and family. Throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s, Alison was blessed to be part of an amazing community of families, that were more like family than friends. The Strothers, Sluders & Alexanders touched Alison's life more than can ever be put in words. Additionally, during these same years, many adventures and fond memories were made as a "soccer family" traveling all over the Pacific Northwest. Later in life, Alison continued the tradition of making lifelong friends, as seen by her participation in two friend groups that were particularly important to her: LOLAS (Little Old Ladies with Attitude) and the Red Stilettos. The goals of each were to have a laugh-filled time of adventures, deep conversations, trusted companionship and, of course, food, lots of food. Alison's life entered a new chapter of her life when she married Luis Cordero on April 8, 2000. Alison deeply loved Luis and his calm demeanor was the perfect counter to Alison's boundless energy. They enjoyed a country home in Selah, WA until Luis passed away on March 16, 2013. After Luis' death, Alison packed up and relocated to Troutville, VA in 2016 in order to be closer to her son Ryan, Rachael, her daughter-in-law, and her beloved grandchildren, Regan, Gavin, and Hanna. In Troutville she carved out an active life of water aerobics, social gatherings with her neighbors, involvement with the local Lion's Club and St. Mark's United Methodist Church and, of course, her grandchildren's numerous activities. Her grandchildren were the center of her universe. In May 2020 the melanoma, for which she had surgery in May 2015, returned with a vengeance and spread throughout her body. She remained strong in her faith, ever joyful and positive until God decided her earthly duties were complete, and she received her heavenly reward. Alison was loyal, smart, hilarious, devoted, creative, kind, fun-loving, adventurous, deeply loved and is profoundly missed by all who knew her. Besides her son and his family, Alison is survived by her first husband, Mick, Troutville, VA, who stood by her during her cancer journey. Other survivors are Alison's sister and her husband, Bobbi and Chris McClure, Pasco, WA; nephew, Jake Differding, Sunnyside, WA; her brother and his wife, Mark and Barb Baker, Kennewick, WA and Alison's stepmother, Edna Baker, Laguna Woods, CA as well as numerous cousins. Alison's memorial service will be July 30, 2023 at 3 p.m., St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Daleville, Virginia with Pastor Samuel Plymale officiating In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your local Lion's Club. Those wishing to send condolences may do so at www.botetourtfuneralhome.com or call 540-254-3000 |
