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IN LOVING MEMORY OF Christa Ryan
Christa
Ryan
Nov 28, 1928 — Aug 9, 2017
Christa Ryan's Obituary
Christa Hildegard Dahler, long-time resident of Flagstaff, AZ, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2017. Christa was born in Saalsburg, Germany on November 28, 1928. She and her family survived WWII, and she married Lewis McKinney, a U.S. army soldier, which brought her to the United States. Christa was very proud to become an American citizen.
Christa spent most of her life studying and working in medicine. She trained as a medical technologist before migrating from Germany and then worked as a physician's assistant and medical technologist in the United States. Her work with leukemia patients was very close to her heart. Christa also taught Hematology at the University of New Mexico Medical School.
For many years, Christa enjoyed skiing and playing tennis and bridge. While at home, Christa enjoyed volunteering for several organizations in the Flagstaff community. She volunteered time for Northland Hospice, helped children at Flagstaff public schools, and worked to uplift the less fortunate by volunteering in soup kitchens. She was also an active member of Peace Lutheran Church. Christa was very passionate about hiking and enjoying Flagstaff's local natural beauty. She took full advantage of the recreational opportunities Flagstaff provides and frequently explored the Grand Canyon.
Her strong, independent spirit eventually led her on adventures around the world many can only dream of. After her retirement she went trekking in the Himalayas, hiked to the top of Machu Picchu, and explored the culture and natural beauty of New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii and many other countries.
Christa is survived by many precious friends and her family: her daughter, Karen DeMarco (husband, Patrick), her son, Dennis McKinney (wife, Monica) her grandchildren, Kristen Jahrman, Erin Wells, Eric Angell, Ronny Janow, Lana Boggs, Jerry Janow, Thomas Janow and 16 great-grandchildren. Christa is also survived by her friend and companion, Murphy Johnson.
There will be a Celebration of Life reception held at the Museum of Northern Arizona, September 24, 2017 from 2:00-3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Christa's church, Peace Lutheran Church, 3034 N. 4th St., Flagstaff, AZ 86004.
Christa spent most of her life studying and working in medicine. She trained as a medical technologist before migrating from Germany and then worked as a physician's assistant and medical technologist in the United States. Her work with leukemia patients was very close to her heart. Christa also taught Hematology at the University of New Mexico Medical School.
For many years, Christa enjoyed skiing and playing tennis and bridge. While at home, Christa enjoyed volunteering for several organizations in the Flagstaff community. She volunteered time for Northland Hospice, helped children at Flagstaff public schools, and worked to uplift the less fortunate by volunteering in soup kitchens. She was also an active member of Peace Lutheran Church. Christa was very passionate about hiking and enjoying Flagstaff's local natural beauty. She took full advantage of the recreational opportunities Flagstaff provides and frequently explored the Grand Canyon.
Her strong, independent spirit eventually led her on adventures around the world many can only dream of. After her retirement she went trekking in the Himalayas, hiked to the top of Machu Picchu, and explored the culture and natural beauty of New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii and many other countries.
Christa is survived by many precious friends and her family: her daughter, Karen DeMarco (husband, Patrick), her son, Dennis McKinney (wife, Monica) her grandchildren, Kristen Jahrman, Erin Wells, Eric Angell, Ronny Janow, Lana Boggs, Jerry Janow, Thomas Janow and 16 great-grandchildren. Christa is also survived by her friend and companion, Murphy Johnson.
There will be a Celebration of Life reception held at the Museum of Northern Arizona, September 24, 2017 from 2:00-3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Christa's church, Peace Lutheran Church, 3034 N. 4th St., Flagstaff, AZ 86004.
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.
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