Christena Ryan Wallen, 81, died on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born March 1, 1937 in Coshocton, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Clarence and Bernice (Fisher) Ryan. Christena proudly served in the U.S. Army for over five years, having been stationed in Okinawa, Japan, for two years and stationed in the Philippines for nearly one year. She was an ammunition and demolition expert at Red Stone Arsenal having graduated at the top of her class and was also a medic. She was an Electrical Engineer with Magnavox for 27 years, from which she retired. An avid reader, Christena enjoyed ceramics, painting and eating out at different restaurants. She is survived by her son, William Cary “Moke” Wallen II of Fort Wayne; daughters, Johannalynn Griggs of New Haven and Rosa E. Nieves of Fort Wayne; five grandchildren, Dorian C. Nieves, Christena G. Wallen, Isaiah JK Griggs, Uriah T. Griggs, and Kyle C. Wallen; eight great-grandchildren, Amilia M. Griggs, Iiley C. Griggs; Brooklynn M. Wallen, Arion Nieves, Noah Nieves, Dorian Nieves, London Nieves, and Ashdon Nieves; and the Dunfee family. She was also preceded in death by her former husband; William Cary Wallen I. Memorial Service will be 3pm on Friday, March 30, 2018 at Advantage Funeral Home, 2403 E. Wallen Rd., Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Memorials may be made to Honor Flight of NE Indiana or the American Legion Post 409. For online condolences, please visit www.advantagefunerals.com.
