Christine Mary Vance

Christine Mary Vance passed away December 30th, 2024 at the age of 77. Christine was born on July 12th, 1947, the daughter of Mary and Stanley Stuka. Growing up in Clinton, MA with her sister Mania, family members and traditions were bountiful in the Stuka and Jakubowicz families. The love of her parents, aunts, cousins, and grandparents had sculpted her into a vivacious and fun loving spirit. Christine was very gifted artistically creating in water colors, crafts, home decor, calligraphy and beautiful flower arrangements which brought her much joy. In 1965, Christine graduated from Clinton High School along with her many friends, aka the Clintonians, with whom she remained close. Marrying her first husband Bruce Lamb of Clinton, they moved to Wichita Kansas in 1978 where she had a long successful career at Boeing Aircraft. She felt at home in Kansas pulling her friends, co-workers, and neighbors together, creating her midwest family. 

In 1988 Christine took in her adopted God-daughter Stacey Weber. Christine loved Jesus with her entire being and shared His love creating her God given Family. On December 4th, 1992 Christine married her best friend Larry Vance from Enid, OK also with a long successful career at Boeing. Together they enjoyed a vibrant social life. Christmas was her Holiday: cards out right after Thanksgiving, a tree in every room, her creative winter wonderland filled the entire home. She brought together many friends and neighbors with her delicious holiday meals in celebration. She made everyone feel special and frequently championed the underdog. She was Mrs. Claus next to her sweet husband ”Santa” Larry together they brought joy and laughter to hundreds of children at the yearly Boeing Aircraft Christmas party.

Christines sacred place was the Wichita Botanical Gardens, an oasis in the city where she was a dedicated volunteer and attended classes. Christine loved animals, especially dogs, a dozen of whom she rescued throughout her lifetime.Sadly after developing Alzheimers Christine was cared for by her loyal husband for years. During the last year of her life, Christine lived in Cottonwood Falls where she was cared for by her God-daughter, husband, and an entire staff who also fell in love with her sweet spirit. Christine will be remembered by many for spreading her contagious joy and Godly love to everyone up until her passing but her impact will remain in our hearts forever!

Christine is Survived by her husband Larry Vance of Wichita and his daughter Katrina Groom, his granddaughter Alison, and his son Adam Vance. Christine’s sister Mania Harding and husband Chip Harding of Cape Cod. Christine’s God-daughter Stacey Weber Maddox, husband John Maddox, son Austen his wife Jessi, son Keenan of Strong City/Cottonwood Falls.

Private family services will be held. Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

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