Christina M. Thompson

 Christina M. Thompson, age 89, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and dear friend, departed this world on April 5, 2025, following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Surrounded by the love from her family, Chris passed away embraced in both presence and prayer.

Born on the family farm in Leavenworth County, Kansas, on February 23, 1936; Christina was the sixth of fifteen children to Francis and Mary (Kimmet) Gast, Sr. Raised near Jarbo, Kansas, her early life was nurtured in hard work and devotion to family, values which she carried throughout her life. A proud 1954 graduate of Jarbo High School, Chris was a standout student and athlete. She lettered in basketball her sophomore through senior years. In her last semester, she embraced the spotlight as a thespian, performing in a stage production of Glass Dishes. Her yearbook captured her spirit best: “When Christina is called upon to do her part, it's done with all her heart.”

On July 20, 1954, Chris married Jerome “Jerry” Asbury, with whom she raised six children: John, Mary, Mark, Bruce, Brian and Craig. She began her professional journey at the glove factory in Leavenworth, later working as a bookkeeper for Jahn Grocery Store, which is now the Leavenworth Public Library. In 1968, she and her husband, Jerome “Jerry” Asbury, opened Chris and Jerry’s Restaurant in downtown Leavenworth, which they operated until 1972. She went on to hold bookkeeping roles with Chuck's Plumbing and following with Heating & Cooling and Geiger Ready Mix. With an entrepreneurial heart and an unmatched attention to detail, Chris founded Chris Thompson Tax Service, where she prepared thousands of tax returns over more than three decades. She built a successful business on trust and genuine care for her clients, which many became dear friends.

Chris wed Kenneth “Kenny” Thompson, on April 20, 1991. Together they made beautiful memories as snowbirds in Fountain, Florida, sightseeing on Kenny’s Goldwing, attending antique tractor shows and living each moment with gratitude. Their adventures continued until Kenny’s passing in 2016.

Chris’s unwavering faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted member of both St. Casimir’s and St. Francis DeSales Catholic Churches. She served as President of the St. Casimir’s Altar Society, volunteered her time generously preparing funeral dinners and answered every call for help with humility and grace. Her spirituality wasn’t just something she practiced, it was something she lived. She also found joy and friendship in her community. She was a proud member of the Henry Leavenworth Antique Car Club, the Leavenworth Eagles Club and the Hazel Nutcrackers Square Dance Club. Dancing and traveling brought her a sparkle that couldn’t be missed. Chris also delighted in life's simple pleasures, such as having her hair styled or nails polished. She was seldom seen without her signature lipstick and trusty hair pick, hallmarks of her elegance.

Chris was a devoted mother whose love provided unwavering support and guidance, instilling strong morals and Christian values in her children. Chris adored her grandchildren and treasured the time spent with them. Together they baked cookies, zoomed around on four-wheelers and golf carts creating countless cherished memories. An avid gardener, Chris enjoyed tending to her plants, cultivating beauty with her own hands. Her creative spirit extended to crafting ceramics; she took great pride in designing her pieces and dedicated hours to painting and firing them in her sizable kiln, reflecting her passion and dedication to the art.

She is preceded in death by husbands Jerome "Jerry" Asbury and Kenneth Thompson; son Craig Asbury; parents Francis and Mary Gast, Sr.; sisters Elizabeth Mercer, Henrietta Bradley, Clara Darrow, Lucy White; brothers Francis Gast, Jr., Steven Gast, Sr., Herman Gast and Vincent Gast.

Left to carry forward her legacy are children John Asbury (Melissa), Mary Rosenberger (Bob), Mark Asbury, Bruce Asbury (Christie), Brian Asbury (Angie); siblings Cecelia Wilmes, Bernard Gast, Freda Meier, Alfred Gast, Harry Gast (Debbie), Louis Gast (Fran); 20 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; a loving family of nieces and nephews; and countless friends whose lives were touched by her kindness.

A visitation to celebrate Chris’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Davis Funeral Chapel 531 Shawnee, Leavenworth, KS 66048, with a Rosary beginning at 5:00 PM. The following morning, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 9, at 11:00 AM at St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church, 900 Ida St., Lansing, KS 64068. Immediately following the service, Chris will be taken in procession to Mount Calvary Cemetery, 1011 Desoto Rd, Lansing, KS 66043 for g prayers and be laid to rest beside those she loved. 

Memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org/kansascity?form=FUNDHYMMBXU or Saint Francis DeSales Catholic Church https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZAAZ/home 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of Anthology of Olathe, Agape Hospice and Olathe Medical Center for their compassionate care. They are also deeply grateful to all the family and friends whose warm thoughts and prayers have provided comfort during this difficult time.

For additional information you may follow the link below:

Davis Funeral Home https://www.davisfuneralchapelinc.com/obituary/christina-thompson