Christine A. Davis

Christine Ann Davis, 60, of Junction City, KS, received the ultimate Christmas gift as she was called home to Our Heavenly Father on December 25, 2008. In April, 2008, Chris was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family. She fought her cancer in the same fashion as she lived her life, with strength and faith. The love and compassion she showed is an inspiration to all who knew her.

Mrs. Davis was born October 10, 1948, Elmhurst, IL to Michael and Dorothy (Helfrich) Lauri. She graduated from St. Xavier High School in 1966. On January 25, 1969, she married John Davis. Together they made their house a home, in which they raised their four children. She spent many years as a stay-at-home mom and was very involved with the lives of her children. She spent countless nights sewing pageant clothes, attending sporting events and dance recitals, helping with homework, and being Dr. Mom. After all of her children were in school, Chris decided to pursue a degree in elementary education. She graduated from Kansas State University in 1991. For the next 17 years, she enjoyed teaching at St. Xavier School. Throughout her career, she held many different positions teaching grades 4th through 10th. When her teaching career ended due to her diagnosis in April, 2008, she was the Librarian and Theology teacher. She was a long time parishioner of St. Xavier Catholic Church where she volunteered her time, talent, and treasure. She was also a member of the DAV Auxiliary.

She is survived by her father, Michael Lauri; husband, John; son, Jeff, all of Junction City, KS; three daughters, Laura Davis of Gladstone, MO; Michelle Swarthout of Edwardsville, KS; and Erin and husband Charles Johnson of Junction City, KS; two brothers, Michael and wife Mary Lauri of Granite City, IL; and Harry and wife Gail Lauri of Olathe, KS; one sister, Rosie and husband Steve Kane of Junction City, KS; three grandchildren; Alaina, Mikayla and Eleanore; four nieces; one nephew; and one great-niece.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy and one brother, Gregory.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 29, 2008, from 6-8 PM, with a vigil service at 7:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, December 30, 2008, with Father Al Brungardt officiating. Both the visitation and Mass will be held at St. Xavier Catholic Church, 218 N. Washington in Junction City, KS. Burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery following the funeral Mass. The family invites everyone to show their support for pancreatic cancer by wearing purple in honor of Chris. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Xavier's Catholic School, P.O. Box 399, Junction City, KS 66441 or Geary Community Healthcare and Hospice Foundation, PO Box 3015, Junction City, KS 66441.