Christine Ann Lightner

Christine Ann Lightner (nee Kraus), of O’Fallon, MO, passed away in her home on Monday, March 20, 2023, at the age of 65 after a brave battle with rheumatoid arthritis. Beloved wife of Gerard Lightner, loving mother of Marissa (Nathaniel) Kistner, proud grandmother of Josephine Kistner, cherished sister of Mary Hendley and James Kraus, dear aunt of Nancy (and the late Wade) DeBorn, Rob (Annette) Hendley, James (Jia) Kraus, Steve (Lizzie) Hendley, and Micheal (Lani) Hendley, numerous great nephews and nieces, and dear sister in law of Bill Lightner and the late Brian (Kay) Lightner.

 

Christine was born on January 27, 1958, to the late Frank and Lillian Kraus, and grew up in Cool Valley, MO. She attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School followed by several undergraduate courses that led to her early work as an administrative assistant. In later years she excelled in fine jewelry sales due to her personable interactions.

 

On November 7th, 1980 Christine married Gerard Lightner and they soon moved to their first house in O’Fallon where they raised their daughter, Marissa. She spent a number of years as a loving stay at home mother in Marissa’s early years. Christine was truly great at helping make up all sorts of games and things for the neighborhood crew of kids to play. She and her family were members of Immaculate Conception of Dardenne parish starting in 1982.

 

Christine was a sentimental woman with a youthful heart who enjoyed nature and the outdoors. She was drawn to compassion toward wildlife, often saving and releasing injured or lost animals. There was a special place in her heart for local and cross country road trips and especially to the Zoo or fishing trips to Montauk with her family. She also enjoyed watching and supporting St. Louis sports teams with her family, especially the St. Louis Blues.