Phyllis J. Christner 84, passed away on January 20, 2022.
Phyllis was the only child born to Amos and Ella Hostetler on July 19, 1937, in Washington, Iowa. On September 9, 1956 she married Leo Ray Christner in Kalona, Iowa.
Phyllis’s passions included her faith in Christ and taking care of her family. She enjoyed cooking, country music (especially Don Williams), sewing and quilting with her church friends. Her smile and her laughter were contagious, and she was often thinking about the needs of others.
She is survived by her loving husband, Leo; her children: Douglas (Debbie) Christner, Derek (Caroline) Christner, Tammy (Mike) Roth; her grandchildren: Kyle Roth, Kaitlyn Watkins, Hannah Jarvis, Mya Christner, Cole McNamara, Clara Ashby, Joelene Butler and Carolyn Warden); and her great-grandchildren: Emily Roth, Silas and Nolan Watkins Melissa and Makayla Haynes, Raven and Ashton Butler, Chase and Maddox Warden. She was preceded in death by her parents Amos and Ella (Rhodes) Hostetler.
A visitation will be held from 9 am on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at the Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be held at 10 am, February 3, 2022, in the “America The Beautiful” Chapel at the Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80910. The service will be livestreamed at: https://evt.live/phyllis-christner-funeral
Memorials in Phyllis’s name may be made to the “The Springs Rescue Mission”.
Carolyn Bauman
27 Jan 2022Dear Leo, Tammy, Mike and family, Doug, Debbie and family and Derek and Caroline and family: The Baumans (Carolyn; Dwayne and Julia, Grace, Seth, Rachel, Joshua and Luke Bauman and Cheryl Bauman Bechtold and Keith Bechtold) are so very sorry to hear of your loss!! We all felt like you were part of our family. We will miss Phyllis so very much. Phyllis and Carolyn went out to lunch generally once a week. We both enjoyed Taco Bell and Burger King over the noon lunch hour; Don and Carolyn enjoyed playing games with the Christners, in each of our homes regularly; enjoyed travelling together using the “CBs”. All eight of us each had a handle when we talked with each other via the CBs. The only handle I can remember is Dwayne’s was “roaming fingers”; going camping together, etc. We were planning to attend Phyllis’ funeral but due to the winter weather, we thought best to stay at home. Phyllis, we know you are in a much better place with no more pain, stress, etc. It is nice Phyllis and Carolyn were distant cousins (both our maiden names were Hostetler).
Sandra Ashby
30 Jan 2022From Ohio we’re very sad to here the passing of Phyllis . Thinking of you all during this sad time .
Harvey Shirley
30 Jan 2022Aunt Phyllis will be greatly missed.
She was such a beautiful person inside and out.
Anonymous
31 Jan 2022Dear Leo and family
We are sorry to hear of your loss Miles separated us for the most part of our lives and we have fond memories of the few times that we able to spend together. When you paid us a visit in Virgina and then when we visited you in Colorado. The best memory is the FISH dance Phyllis did when we returned with fish. I guess we knew Derek best because of the time he spent in the Harrisonburg area while at EMC. May God Sustain you with peace and comfort now and in the days ahead
Cheryl Beachey
1 Feb 2022Dear friends. I was sorry to hear about Phyllis. I don’t know any of you well but also I do because I married in to this friendship.
I first heard the camping stories because when families grow their kids up together there are tons of fun memories. I heard Judy say, “I need my Phyllis fix” before grabbing the phone to call Colorado. I heard my in-laws talk about (pronunciation from Greg as a toddler) Lelo & Phyllis with nothing but smiles and fondness.
We took a family trip to Colorado with Jr and Judy when our kids were very young and stayed with Leo and Phyllis. I don’t remember too much from that trip but I remember the feelings. Phyllis instantly made me feel at home and the sparkle in her eyes when she hugged her friends was priceless. Fun, laughter and love abounded. I’m grateful to have known her. Peace to you all.
Lori Beery
2 Feb 2022Dear Tammy, Mike and family. I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved mother. My heart breaks for you all during this time of grieving. May the Lord give you strength, peace and comfort.
With deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences. Love Lori
ps…one of my favorite memories was when Phyllis packed Pringles in Tammy’s lunch in elementary school and Tammy was so sweet to share this amazing chip that wasn’t available in Colorado yet!
Mike and Emily Ferguson
3 Feb 2022Mike and Tammy,
So sad to hear of the loss of your mother! She was a dear sweet lady! So many fun memories of time with her!!! Love and prayers to your family