Christina Ortiz Clark, 48, a beloved wife, mother and friend, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2026.
Born on April 24, 1978, in Independence, Missouri, Christina lived a life filled with love, laughter and an unwavering dedication to those she held dear.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Rick Ortiz, with whom she shared nine wonderful years of marriage. Their love story began on September 30, 2017, when they wed in St. Peters before eventually making their home in the serene landscape of Sunrise Beach, Missouri. Christina was a proud and loving mother to her two children, Noah (Sophia) Schnarre and Todd (Catherine) Schnarre, whose lives she enriched with her warmth and wisdom.
A proud alumna of Truman High School, Christina graduated in 1996 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in fashion business from Stephens College in Columbia. Her career in fashion led her to a fulfilling role as a manager at Armani. After the store's closure, her nurturing spirit found a new avenue as she worked as a paraeducator for the Fort Zumwalt School District. As life unfolded, she embraced the opportunity to work from home, which allowed her to focus more on her family and passions.
Christina's love for fashion never waned, and she channeled her creativity into crocheting and knitting, crafting beautiful pieces for those she loved. Her adoration for animals was evident in the joy she found with her cherished pets: her cats Ozzy, Gandolf and Sam, and her dog, Lilly.
Those who knew Christina will remember her for her quick wit and warm smile, qualities that made anyone feel welcome in her presence. She had an innate ability to uplift and support her family, friends and anyone fortunate enough to cross her path. Her life, though shorter than some, was rich with purpose and happiness, as she always found herself exactly where she needed to be.
A service to honor and celebrate Christina's life was held October 19 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Independence, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in tribute to Christina's generous spirit.
"Christina may have lived a shorter life than most, but her life was full of those she loved and cherished most. She always felt she was placed where she needed to be and lived happily every day," her family wrote.
Christina's legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. May she rest in peace, forever remembered and cherished.
(Arrangements entrusted to The Louis Memorial Chapel.)