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Connie Christoph Obituary
CHRISTOPH, 57
Teacher
LAKE WALES - Connie Miller Christoph, 57, passed away on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 after an extended struggle with ALS.
Born in Erlanger, Kentucky on August 30, 1953 to Clyde and Helen Miller, Mrs. Christoph earned her BA in Arts Education from Anderson University in 1976. She was married to James Robert Christoph in August, 1973. As a dedicated Visual Art teacher, she poured her life into teaching and loving her students. She was known to her students and colleagues by her smile, her encouragement, and her warm hugs. Named Teacher of the Year at both Hillcrest Elementary and Alturas Elementary schools, she received even higher recognition as a finalist for Polk Teacher of the Year by her peers in 2011 for her tireless work and dedication to children and teaching. Connie continued teaching art right up until her recent surgery.
Mrs. Christoph filled numerous roles with the Lake Wales Art Center. She loved playing an active role in the Lake Wales Art Show each year, especially the student art portion. She took incredible pride in her students winning awards for their artistic efforts not only in Lake Wales but throughout central Florida.
Connie is survived by her husband, Dr. James Christoph, son Jamey (Washington D.C.), daughter Sarah and son-in-law Tim and new grandson, Liam (West Palm Beach, Florida).
Family, friends, and community will gather to honor her life and faith on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 11:00 am. at South Lake Wales Church of God. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the ALS Foundation at http://www.alsfoundation.org/donateorvolunteer.html. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Connie Christoph
John Boedeker
September 20, 2012
I was always touched by Connie's smile and her wonderfully outgoing personality.
She was a lady with great grace and wisdom. I know heaven is much more fun since she is there. She was and is loved and we will miss her
September 4, 2011
Hello Jim,
I was surfing the web this evening trying to find info on a few old Erie friends and I found your wife's obituary listed when I searched your name.
I am sorry for your loss and it sounds like Connie was well loved by many and will be most missed by her students.
Norm Guthrie
Danielle Dwyer
September 2, 2011
Mrs. Christoph was my art teacher from kindergaten to fifth grade. (1996-2001). She was amazing. Always had a bright smile on her face. She always knew how to brighten your day. I was one of her helpers in fifth grade. Every morning i would come to school early just to hangout with her. She threw a pool party at her house for me and the other helpers. Absolutely the best art teacher ever! Im so thankful i kept all my art from when i had her. Rest in peace Mrs. Christoph.
Brenda Belanger
September 1, 2011
I had the pleasure to have met Connie at Hillcrest Elementary, I will always remember her for her smile and her kindness toward the kitchen staff, she always said Thank You for all you guys do for us, and always left saying, Thanks, have a nice day. We chatted about our illnesses and hoped tomorrow would be a better day.....To all of her family, my prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Arlette, Tony, Sarah and Spencer Lock
August 30, 2011
Connie will truly be missed by all who knew her. She was a shining star to all. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Judy Giles
August 29, 2011
I grieve with the family but rejoice that she is with the Lord. My life was blessed in knowing and working with Connie for many years at the LWAC. My prayers go out to her family.
Denise Price
August 29, 2011
My girls enjoyed and were lucky to have you as a teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School. You will be missed. Thank you so much for sharing your gift with our children. Our thoughts are with your family now.
Rosa Villatoro
August 28, 2011
I want to send my condolences and prayers to you. Mrs. Cristoph was my daughter's art teacher at Alturas Elem. and losing her has brought us such sadness. My daughter, Josie, adored her and loved being in her class. I know that Connie's love for art and teaching will live on in her students hearts forever. The fact that she taught throughout her illness proved her strength and passion, and provided a great inspiration to everyone she met. We will never forget her, and what a wonderful woman she was. God bless you.
michelle badillo
August 28, 2011
mrs. christoph we truly miss u soo much your were my kids favorite art teacher we love you an miss you dearly.. from the Badillo family...
Stephanie Carter
August 27, 2011
Mrs. Christoph was my art teacher at Hillcrest. Her passion for art and love of teaching were reflected in everything she did. At an early age, she instilled in me a love for the arts. She saw a winner in my 1st grade painting entitled, "Chicken Cow." She was right...I won a blue ribbon and still have it to this day. The passion and love she had is a part of me now as I finish my master's degree in museum studies. The lives she touched will never go unnoticed and her grace and presence on this earth will be sorely missed.
To her family, may you be surrounded by love and never forget to shroud yourself in the wonderful memories you made together. Take comfort and peace in those memories and also knowing she'll always be with you.
Beverly Isom
August 27, 2011
I didn't know Connie, but she was too young to be taken from her family & friends. I guess God had need of her in Heaven.
John Boedeker
August 26, 2011
Brother Jim and family. We will deeply miss Connie and we too send heartfelt condolences to you. We love your family and ae so sorry that this time of grieving is being experienced. We will pray for grace to fill the voids in your hearts along with the wonderful memories there. She beat us to Heaven but my what a reunion it will be. John and Judy boedker
karen othoson
August 26, 2011
Jim, Jamey, and Sara, we were so sorry to here the news about Connie, she was such an encourager. May God's grace sustain you. Karen and Bud Othoson
Mikey Massey
August 26, 2011
Mrs.Christoph Was A Great Teacher. You Was A Great Impact On The Students You Taught and Your Smile Lit Up Everyone Day At Hillcrest. You Will Be Truly Missed. My Prayers Go Out The Family and Friends of Mrs. Christoph.
Cheri Mathias
August 26, 2011
Connie will be greatly missed in our neighborhood, school system, and churhch. What a beautiful, talented lady she was. She will be decorating heaven with her talents. Our prayers are with Jim, Sara, and Jamey.
John/Cheri Mathias
Stephanie Montelius
August 26, 2011
Mrs. Christoph was my favorite teacher when I was in school at Hillcrest. She has even met two of my three children and I was looking forward to her teaching my children. My condolences go to her friends and her family. We were all truly blessed to have such a wonderful person in our lives.
Sherrill & Fritzie Hayes
August 26, 2011
Jim and Family,
How fortunate we were to get to know Connie. Our lives are better because we knew her and her creativity, her commitment to God and her family and friends, and her compassion for children and using her gifts to better things in all our lives. We will miss her and always cherish the basket she created from willow leaves at out cottage.
Prayers and blessings,
Sherrill and Fritzie Hayes
Ed Nelson
August 26, 2011
Dear Jim and Family,
Cheri and I were so saddened to hear about Connie's illness and passing. You were both such supportive servants of Christ in the years we served at SLW. We join you in your grief and in the hope of Connie's resurrection through her faith in Christ Jesus!
Ed Nelson
Deborah Pennewell
August 26, 2011
Mrs. Christoph was such a caring and wonderful teacher. She had such a great influence on my granddaughter and my granddaughter loved her. My prayers and thoughts are with her family.
Brandon Sitler
August 26, 2011
Jamey and Family,
Such a sad loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Eileen Clay
August 26, 2011
Dear Jim and family ~ Please know that my prayers are with you in this time of grief. How marvelous, though, the knowledge that you will one day be reunited with Connie before God's throne. May the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit be very real to you in the coming days.
Darlene Willis
August 26, 2011
Dr. Christoph,Jamey and Sara, Prayers for peace and comfort for all of you at this difficult time. Thank You for allowing me into your lives to care for your loved oned, she was so sweet and loving and struggled so hard. May you rest forever Connie in God's Love.
August 26, 2011
Jim, and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God's presence give you grace and peace. Robert Mathis
Deno & Samme Rousopoulos
August 25, 2011
Jim...Samme and I are so sorry to hear about the death of your bride. I don't know how one handles a thing like this. But this one thing I do know, she prepared all her life just for this event...and now her faith is sight and her joy is complete. We're praying for you buddy!
Earl Wheatley
August 25, 2011
Dear Jim,
Connie was a treasure. Donna and I and our congregation here at NorthPark Church of God will be praying for you and your family. God bless you - Psalm 116:15
Shawn & Jennifer Morgan
August 25, 2011
Dr. Christoph & Family,
May God grant you peace and comfort in the days ahead. So sorry to hear about Connie's passing. She will be missed.
Tiffany Harris-Capers
August 25, 2011
Jim, Jamey and Sarah,
You are in my heartfelt thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. It is my wish for peace and comfort in the days ahead. Connie was wonderful! When I had a stressful day at school, I would go to Connie's classroom and she would always make me feel better.
She touched many lives. Connie Christoph will never be forgotten.
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