Christine Ruf Crippin peacefully went to her Lord the afternoon of May 10th surrounded by her husband, Kent, and children, Jeffrey, Crissie and Todd. 

Christine was born in Kansas City, MO on April 14, 1937 to Dave G. and Rose (Maier) Ruf, the oldest of five children. 

Christine married Kent E. Crippin 65 blissful years ago at St. Marks Lutheran Church.  Christine and Kent enjoyed their 65 years raising their three children, traveling, and serving the community in many ways including church/Leawood Presbyterian, Notre Dame de Sion and Rockhurst high schools and standing with Kent when he was Leawood Mayor.  She served as President of the Notre Dame de Sion Mother’s Club, president of the University of Notre Dame Kansas City Mother’s Club, as well as various PTA organizations. 

Her leadership at Leawood Presbyterian Church was memorable as she stayed the course in working with the clergy to maintain the LPC membership.

Christine’s love of the Lord brought her counsel to many, such as LPC confirmation classes, adults, and friends with her participation in bible studies.

She knew the Lord and was able to convey the Lord’s love to those seeking the Lord’s love and understanding.  This was recognized by her family as they too followed in her footsteps communicating and spreading God’s love to their children, friends and all those who seek the Lord. 

Christine was such a beautiful person inside and out that growing up she was a queen of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Posse, graduated with honors from Westport High School and served as a member of her family’s Westport Kids western band that performed throughout the US singing country western renditions of songs with her brothers and cousins. As a result she continued to enjoy her music singing and playing her guitar her entire life. She sang in many church choirs and quartets. Christine was active in the memory care unit singing her songs for the residents.

Christine enjoyed her family as they traveled to the University of Notre Dame for football weekends  watching Jeff, being with Crissie at KU and the drives to Vanderbilt to see Todd in his theatre roles. She loved the anniversary trip to Mexico with Kent and their children and grandchildren.

She thoroughly loved her role as co-chair of the Catholic Charities Snow Ball.  She was an avid golfer and chaired the ladies 9-hole group at her club.  Christine was active in the Junior League of Kansas City Kansas. Christine loved her garden as evidenced by her Lakeview Village yard.

All will miss Christine’s beautiful smile.

Christine is survived by Kent, husband and love of her life, her children Jeff (Nancy), Crissie Kerns (Mitch) and Todd (Renee), her six beautiful grandchildren Sarah, Kyle, Katie, Audrey, Scott and Claire and her siblings Dave Ruf, Carole Gurley and Margie Morris.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Dave and Rose Ruf and by her brother Robert Ruf.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, May 20, 2022, at Cure of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS.  A Celebration of Life will follow at 1pm at Lakeview Village Eastside Terrace 9000 Park Street, Lenexa, KS 

In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to The Advent Health Kansas City Foundation in honor of Christine Crippin.