Krista Ruth Youngstrom

Krista Ruth Youngstrom, a beloved daughter, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday June 8, 2024, at the age of 53. She was born on December 12, 1970; and her keen mind, vibrant spirit and warm heart touched a surprising number of lives throughout her complicated journey.
Krista had an unusual and promising career path starting with attending nursing school that later evolved into the study of alternative medicine. This included becoming a certified massage therapist for years. Using her innate creativity and eye for detail, she also apprenticed at Bauman Rare Books in Philadelphia. There, she developed unusual skills in the repair of treasured old books. Concurrently she became interested in more lucrative enterprises and joined Microsoft Office Business as a training consultant. Her expertise and patience helped many individuals develop technical skills to land good jobs.
Kristas urge for helping others extended to rescuing homeless animals, including senior dogs and even an occasional reptile. It was because of her big heart that friends knew that they could turn to her for a place to stay, a listening ear, and encouragement.
Over the years many family members and friends were treated to Kristas gourmet creations. She started as a young girl creating fun concoctions from what she found in the kitchen some tastier than others. Over the years, Krista mastered this craft (as she had so many others), with a particular interest in creating Scandinavian dishes to celebrate part of her heritage. As with most things she took on, Krista showed a flair that cannot be duplicated.
A talented artist, Krista enjoyed painting, drawing, and solving intricate Sudoku puzzles. In her teens and twenties, she explored sculpting and large format painting, showcasing her creativity and skill.
Community theater proved to be another venue where her creativity and impulse to help others was visible. Behind the scenes she designed sets, painted backdrops, learned all about costuming, and even applied makeup for cast members. Some said she basically functioned as the volunteer production manager for many shows over a period of years.
Her artistic bent led to her great appreciation for the work of other artists. Wherever she traveled, her first stops were always the art galleries and private art shops; followed by visiting every bookstore she could find.
Later in life, she found joy in detailed coloring and constructing elaborate stories about herself to entertain others ---a testament to her imaginative mind.
Kristas faith transcended all of the changes in her life; faith was an integral part of how she coped. She was very active in Bible study at the Rescue Mission of Roanoke, where she formed lasting friendships and deepened her spiritual understanding.
She was preceded in death by her stepbrother, David Hanchett.
Left to cherish her memory are her parents, Richard and Linda Youngstrom; her stepmother, Janine Tretinik Youngstrom; her older brother, Eric Youngstrom, and his wife Jennifer Kogos Youngstrom; and her stepbrother, Christopher Hanchett.
Krista's legacy of love, creativity, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Krista, please visit our Tree Store.