About
Christa Riordan Obituary
Christa Harkness Riordan, 49, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025. She was born in St. Louis in 1975 where she attended Villa Duchesne High School before attending Miami University and majoring in psychology & mastering in gerontology. Christa worked many years in social services in Butler County serving the needs of the elderly before retiring to stay at home and pour her love, support, and devotion entirely into her girls. Her love for Jessica and Micaela became the new legacy she was leaving behind.
Christa was preceded in death by her mother, Carol (Schennum) Harkness and is survived by her husband Steve Riordan, daughters Micaela and Jessica, dog Rooster, cats Walmart, Gypsy, and Fairy Styles. She is also survived by her father, Alan (Karen) Harkness, brother Bradford Harkness, in-laws, cousins, aunts, uncle, nephews, and a niece.
Christa made a home that was a reflection of her creative spirit – part art gallery, part antique shop, and entirely full of love. Just like her garden, Christa was unconventional, independent, and beautiful in her untamed way. Her passion was looking for unique rocks on the beaches of Michigan and at her dad’s home in Missouri as well as reading her favorite mystery novels. Her Christmas cards were legendary and looked upon as the season’s gift, even if the humor was lost on some. She didn’t bring questions or judgement She was there to simplify the complexities of life with a perfectly timed 4 letter word. Her passing has left those close to her remembering and cherishing what is gone too soon.
Her life will be celebrated on Monday, October 27, 2025 at Hodapp Funeral Home in Liberty Township, Ohio. Visitation from 9:00 am to 12 pm followed by a short service. Feel free to wear an outfit of bold colors or a vintage relic as a tribute to her signature style and never-ending spirit.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
Monarch Butterfly Fund – https:\\monarchconservation.org
Parachute (Butler County Court Appointed Advocate Volunteers for Youth) – www.parachutecasa.org
Purrfect Additions Inc – www.purrfectadditionsinc.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6410 Cincinnati Dayton Rd., Liberty Township, OH 45044
People and places connected with Christa
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Christa Riordan
Tell your own story about Christa
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Christa Riordan's name
How to support Christa's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Christa Riordan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
