Christine Gehring, age 63, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025. She was born on August 3, 1961, in Minneapolis, Kansas, to the late Elden and Isabelle Cote. Christine was the second youngest of eight daughters.

On October 20, 1979, she married the love of her life, Stephen Gehring. During the first 20 years of their marriage, Stephen served in the Army, and together they made homes in Hawaii, California, Germany, and South Carolina before settling in Springtown, Texas, in 1996. It was there that Christine put down her deepest roots, and Springtown remained her home for the rest of her life - the longest she ever lived in one place.

Christine was an extraordinary mother to three children: Jeremy, Derek, and Rachel. Her devotion to her family was the heartbeat of her life. She created a home filled with warmth, love, and the comforting aromas of home-cooked meals. Christine had a deep passion for cooking and baking - no one left her kitchen hungry or without feeling cared for.

She also had a playful, spirited side. Whether it was a lively game of Pitch, Shang, or Rummy at the table during holidays and sister gatherings, or teaching her grandchildren how to play Crazy 8s and Kings on the Corner, Christine knew how to turn any moment into a memory. Bingo was another one of her favorite pastimes. Even with arthritis, she could glide her dobber across those bingo cards with speed and precision. And of course, there were her casino trips, where she had her favorite slot machine - and her tried-and-true superstition: "Don't put your player's card in there, it won't pay out if you do!" she'd say with a grin - usually right before hitting a win.

Christine also loved to dance. In her later years, she'd get all dolled up - fashionable boots, sparkly jewelry, and a blingy belt - to head out country dancing with her friends. Her joy for life was radiant and infectious.

But above all else, Christine loved being "Bama". Her grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she treasured every moment spent with them. She poured her love into their lives, creating traditions and memories that will last a lifetime.

Christine endured a great deal of illness in her final years. She fought bravely and fiercely, but as we all know, even the strongest hearts need rest. She deserves her peace now, and we take comfort knowing she's in a better place - watching over us with that same loving smile. We were beyond blessed to have her in our lives. She was, and always will be, deeply loved.

Christine is survived by her sons, Derek Gehring and his wife Jada, Jeremy Gehring and his wife Lyndsay, and her daughter, Rachel Gustafson, and her husband Justin. She was "Bama" to her treasured grandchildren: Kadin, Ashlynn, Peyton, Brookelynn, Isabelle, Reagan, and Riley.

She is also survived by her seven beloved sisters: Joan Brown, Carol Cyre, Mary Drummond, Margery Williams, Betty Hernandez, Janice Rupert, and Cindy Paladino.

Christine's life was a tapestry of laughter, love, and unwavering strength. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit, her stories, and her love will remain with us always.