Search by Name

Search by Name

Christina Smith-Owings Obituary

SMITH-OWINGS, Christina Ruth April 9th, Sunday afternoon, a tragic accident determined Chris' fate. Her life sustained for one week at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Just 57 years old, she quietly passed into memory on Sunday, April 16, 2006. As an artist and teacher she devoted her life to the service of others. Her presence inspired beauty in the world; her strength encouraged all she loved. She survives in stories and memories as wife, mother, sister, and friend. A memorial service will be announced soon and set within the upcoming summer months. Charitable contributions in Chris' name may be donated to the Gualala Art Center and Lion's Club in Gualala, CA. In memoriam, please consider blood and organ donation, extending life to others as Chris so marvelously graced the world with hers.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press Democrat on Apr. 25, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Christina Smith-Owings

Not sure what to say?





karen schneller

April 28, 2006

Dear Randy, Jess, and Tyler. I will never forget my first meeting with Chris. I was her nurse on the surgical unit. This was very soon after Tyler's birth, and she was having surgery for colon cancer.

With a young daughter and a new baby boy at home and heading into this not-so-wonderful surgery, one might have expected her to be anxious, even distraught. But not Chris! There she sat cross-legged in the hospital bed organizing her cookbooks, smiling and laughing. I thought she was very brave. We became friends. Lucky, lucky me. I remember birthday parties (Randy tossed chocolates to the kids from the plane as he buzzed the house!), visits in the corn dryer heated hot tub (how creative!), and the most wonderful meals. Chris was a gourmet cook. The table was always set with linens, beautiful china, crystal, and silver. The formality of the presentation was so nicely juxtaposed by her 'Earth Mother' demeanor. She always made everyone feel very special, very welcome, very comfortable.

I loved her laugh. I remember her mannerisms. When beginning a story, she'd always engage you by extending her right hand, palm down, toward you. Then she'd reach up and adjust her glasses. Then she'd talk. I loved her stories, and her great laugh.

She was so at ease, so comfortable, so pleasant to be with.

I am sorry that she is gone. I know you will miss her terribly. Obviously, everyone who knew her remembers her as a very unique and wonderful woman. I am so grateful that she was a friend of mine.

kelly sibthorp

April 26, 2006

Mrs. Smo was hands down the best teacher I have ever had. She taught me so much, and more importantly, she never gave up on me. I feel privledged to have worked with her, and I will carry the skills I learned through her throughout my artistic career, whatever medium my line of artwork will go through. I will never forget her. My heart goes out to her family, may God be with you.

Rachel Ray

April 26, 2006

Mrs. Smo was the best art teacher! Because of her great teaching skills I can still draw the first thing she showed us in elementary school..an easter bunny! My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

Crystal McAdam

April 26, 2006

I'm sorry to hear of Mrs. Smo's passing. I was just thinking about her yesterday (literally) as I ran across an art book she gave me. She was such an inspirational person and will be missed greatly.

Faith Ward-Ntatsos

April 26, 2006

Mrs. Smo was the best art teacher I ever met. She helped me persue lots of things after grad. which led me to see the fine details in all the small things. Without her i would not of been as creative as I am today. My regards go out to the family expecially Tyler and Jess loosing a mother is hard and we will never forget them. I will miss her a lot.

Matt Alsup

April 25, 2006

I knew Mrs. Smo for as long as I can remember; I still have a picture of Tyler and me as babies at their house. Knowing her not only as a teacher, but as a family friend, I know what a great loss this is. She was always a kind, positive, talented, and supportive woman. She was somebody people could look up to. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Owings family.

Kristen Parker-Clark

April 25, 2006

Oh how this world has lost a true gem. I have never forgotten all that she taught me as a student. I still to this day have not met another soul as geniune and true as she. To her family, I express my deepest sympathy for your loss. I shall never forget her sense of humor, her love of the arts, and her unique outlook on life. She will be deeply missed.

Andrea (Roe) Ballard

April 25, 2006

To Jessica and Tyler,

I'm sorry to hear about your mom's passing. I remember her not only as a beloved teacher but also as a supportive mom, and the talents and strengths you have are no doubt a reflection of her guidance and love. My thoughts are with both of you and your family.

bridget sibthorp-moecker

April 25, 2006

Mrs. SMO was a deeply devoted teacher with incredible patience, and some of my fondest high school memories took place in her classroom. It was because of her instruction that I decided to study art in college and eventually became a graphic designer. I will never forget what she did for me, as a mentor and a friend. I wish I could tell her thanks.

LaVonne Chaney

April 24, 2006

I wish to extend our deep sympathy to Chris' family. I have so much respect for who she was and what she accomplished. I am very proud to say that I still have two Santas that were made by her. She was an EXCELLENT art teacher and mentor for the youth of the Warrensburg-Latham School District. I loved her and will miss her gentle smile. I have such fond memories of her when she was happy, working, frustrated, or just being Chris. I send my thoughts to all of you.

bobbi bone

April 24, 2006

Mrs. Smo was the best art teacher there was. We nay have raised a little H***, but we loved her, and she never gave up on us. I think my fav project was the moldings of our face. I still have mine after so many years. Sorry to hear the bad news, she will be missed deeply.

Jennifer Wallace

April 23, 2006

I am so sorry for your lose. I never had Mrs Smith Owings but my mom taught wiht her for years. We are all going to miss her deepley.

Lora Troxell

April 23, 2006

Our deepest sympathy to all of the family. My children only had her for a few years at W.L.H.S. but Mrs. Smo (as they called her) made quite an impact on them. They cared a great deal for her and are sadden by her passing. She was a teacher loved by many.

John Hughes

April 23, 2006

My condolances to the family for their loss. Mrs. Smo was an inspiration and mentor to so many. The light she brought to the world with her wisdom and creativity will never fade. As a teacher for 7 years, and a friend for many more, she touched my life in profound ways. I consider myself lucky to have known her, she will be greatly missed by so many.

Crystal (Hundley) Kirkman

April 23, 2006

We are so sorry to hear about Chris and will be praying for your family.

Todd Hughes

April 23, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with your family, she was a great teacher and will be missed. She taught me so much through the 4 years at WLHS. Her awesome talent will truely be missed in this world!

Bob & Carolyn Chamberlain

April 23, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Lila Mize

April 23, 2006

I am sorry to read of the accident that took Christina's life.

Chris was a fellow worker at Warrensburg-Latham Middle School for several years. She was always an encouragement to me.

Dawne Maddox

April 23, 2006

The Maddox Family sends its thoughts and prayers. We loved your mother. She was a great teacher and a wonderful friend.





o

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

Make a Donation
in Christina Smith-Owings's name

Memorial Events
for Christina Smith-Owings

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Christina's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
Ways to honor Christina Smith-Owings's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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