A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 20, 2023 at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home 5701 US Highway 277 S. in Abilene. Interment will follow in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories where she will be laid to rest with her first husband, James “Jim” Yoder. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 19 from 6-8:00 PM also at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
Chris was born on January 19, 1951 in Painesville, Ohio to the late Dillon and Delores Cook. She met the love of her life, James Leroy Yoder in the early 70’s and after an extended courtship they married on October 13, 1978. The family eventually relocated to Texas and after living in Breckenridge made Abilene home where she and her husband raised four daughters. She worked numerous places in Abilene to include Texas Instruments and US Brass. After the death of her first husband, she later married Terry L. Griffith. Chris had unshakable faith and enjoyed serving and praising the Lord. She joined Trinity Chapel in Abilene and was an active member. She later joined Fountaingate Fellowship. With her faith steering the ship of her life, it was clear that her family was her life. She devoted herself to her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was at her happiest when surrounded by her family, laughing, dining out, cutting up and having a goodtime. Her grandchildren brought her much pride; she loved taking them to see a, “show” (the movies). She also enjoyed attending the Rose Park Senior Center. She appreciated deep and genuine friendships once you came into her life you were there to stay. While we close the earthly book of her life that was full of adventure, funny times, hard times, and God’s amazing grace we will never forget the story. She had a heart bigger than Texas and managed not only to love her family but their friends. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of many that precious memories will fill.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James L. Yoder; and her son-in-law, Tony
Leinneweber.
She is survived by her husband, Terry L. Griffith; her devoted daughters, Stacey Collazo, Robin Baumgardt and her husband Scott, Michelle Leinneweber, and Jamie Lehr and her husband David; two bonus children, Adrian James Tijerina and Sheena Tijerina; 25 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren, her brother, Dennis Cook; sister, Linda Fenslage; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elliott-hamil.com for the Yoder family.
