Christy Smalla Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

In Loving Memory of Christy Marie Smalla.One year ago, on Monday, November 11, 2024, our beloved daughter, sister, aunt, fiancée, and friend, Christy Marie Smalla of Toledo, Ohio, peacefully passed away at the age of 44 after a courageous battle with lymphoma.Christy was born on May 16, 1980, in Plainwell, Michigan, where she grew up surrounded by family, friends, and the simple joys of small-town life. A proud graduate of Plainwell High School, Christy went on to earn her degree in Kinesiology from Michigan State University in 2003.Christy's love for life shone through everything she did. She played volleyball and loved softball field, playing first base for her high school team and later joining recreational leagues for fun. She also enjoyed skiing and loved the mountains and rivers of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, one of her favorite places to visit.Christy built a beautiful and meaningful life in Toledo, where she founded Rehabilitative Massage Therapy. She was a truly gifted healer whose hands and heart brought comfort to so many. Her deepest wish during her illness was to return to her work and continue caring for her clients, who were so much more than that-they were family to her.Christy's radiant smile and contagious laughter filled every room she entered. She had a giving spirit and was known for thoughtful surprises-flowers, small gifts, or favorite treats that reminded others how loved they were. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. As an active member of the First Apostolic Church of Toledo, Christy lived her faith daily through service, kindness, and joy. She also volunteered with Joni and Friends ministries, blessing veterans and their families with her warmth and compassion.Christy is preceded in death by her great-grandparents, and her grandfather Robert Burger.She is lovingly remembered by her parents Scott D. and Barbara K. Smalla, sister Sarah Jazwiecki and brother-in-law Matthew, niece Olivia, nephew Cameron, her fiancé Gregory Ridenour, her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends whose lives she touched deeply.The Smalla family-"Team Christy"-extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland, Ohio, for their tender care and kindness during Christy's final days. We would also like to express our deepest appreciation to the many family members, friends, clients, and church and community members who offered financial support, prayers, and encouragement throughout Christy's journey. Your generosity and love carried her-and all of us-through some of the most difficult days.Christy was a woman of unwavering faith, incredible strength, and endless love. She fought her battle with grace and courage, never losing her beautiful spirit. Today, we find peace in knowing she is healed and whole in the presence of her Heavenly Father, and we look forward to the day we will see her again.To honor Christy's life and legacy, please consider a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in her memory.

Christy Smalla

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