Christina Lee Rothwell

Christina Lee Rothwell

January 30, 1983 – July 27, 2025

Christina Lee Rothwell, 42, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away on July 27, 2025, after an illness from brain cancer. Born on January 30, 1983, in Olean, New York, Christina was a writer, a storyteller, a quiet force of strength, and a source of safety and laughter to all who knew her.

She grew up with a quick wit and an old soul, often finding humor where others couldn't and offering calm in the middle of chaos. From the earliest days, Christina met life with a raised eyebrow and a dry remark that somehow made everything feel a little easier to bear.

In adulthood, Christina built a life filled with love and intention. She was the beloved wife of David (Dave) Rothwell, and although not a mother by birth or blood, she loved her children Hayden Rothwell and Lindsay Cunningham (Rothwell).

She was the eldest daughter of Mary Strouth (Halwig) and the late James Wheeler, a deeply loved sister to Jessica Purser (Wheeler), and an esteemed part of the Purser family, including her brother-in-law Kyle and her niece Vivienne. Christina's relationships weren't always easy, but she brought grace and forgiveness to the forefront and made peace a lifelong pursuit.

An exceptional writer, Christina chronicled her thoughts and everyday adventures through her blog, The Bear and The Cat, and penned several short stories across a variety of genres. Her creativity extended beyond the page - she was also an amateur brewer who enjoyed experimenting with flavor combinations and sharing the results with friends and family. She found joy in the unusual and rewatching the Alien series for the hundredth time, proudly calling herself an "Alien sympathizer."

She was known for her quiet generosity. Christina volunteered her writing for the Museum Hill newsletter, blending community updates with her signature perspective. She also held a private spirituality with God - never loud, never performative, but deeply personal, meaningful, and sincere.

Though she faced challenges in her youth, Christina found strength and purpose in the life she built with Dave, Hayden, and Lindsay. Her home was a safe haven, her words a source of clarity and comfort, and her heart a constant wellspring of love and support. To those who knew her well, Christina was a safe harbor. She offered advice when asked, a listening ear when needed, and, more often than not, a perfectly timed quip to bring levity into hard moments. She carried the weight of her own past with remarkable strength, and still managed to make space for the pain, joy, and stories of others.

No public services are planned at this time. Those wishing to honor Christina's memory may make a donation to the Mosaic Life Care Foundation at www.mlcfoundation.com/donate, specifying "Cancer Care."

Though her time was far, far too short, Christina leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, resilience, and beautifully imperfect humanity. She will be remembered for her fierce intelligence, her generous spirit, and her unwavering ability to make others feel seen, heard, and loved. She will be missed more than words can express, as her absence leaves behind a silence that will be felt as deeply as the joy she once gave so effortlessly.