CHRISTINA SKOTNIK

Christina Mary Miller Skotnik, 71, joined her beloved daughter and parents on June 25, 2018. She died peacefully in the home she loved in Sherman, TX. She is survived by her son Michael Skotnik of Texarkana; her sisters Beth Miller Grubbs and husband Bobby of Rendon, nephew Adam Grubbs (Suzanne), and niece Shannon Grubbs Lawrence (Lance), and Meg Miller Fletcher and husband Neal of Savoy, and nephews Joshua, Cole, and Eric; brothers Greg Miller of Arlington and his son James (Erin), and Jeff Miller and wife Christine of Holland, New York; brother-in-law John Skotnik and wife Claire of Bonham, nephews John Skotnik (Jackie) and Joseph Skotnik; and niece Karina Skotnik Roe (Cody). Additionally, she had many close friends from work and church, as well as her lifelong friends, Cheryl Strittmatter Ablon and Laura Cocharo Bachmann. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Francis James Miller (2007) and Florence Beechler Miller (1977) of Arlington, and her daughter, Julie Rebecca Skotnik in 2015. Christina was born in Buffalo, New York, and moved to Arlington, Texas, with her family in 1951, where she grew up. Christina graduated from Nolan Catholic High School in Ft. Worth in 1965. She studied at Arlington State College (now UTA) and St. Joseph's School of Nursing to earn her LVN, working as a nurse in Arlington and Oklahoma City. In 1991 she earned a master's degree in psychology from East Texas University (now Texas A & M Commerce), becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. She loved her job in the behavioral health unit of Texoma Medical Center, where she was respected and loved by her peers. She retired approximately five years ago, but still loved to get together for dinner with her co-workers every month, until her poor health prevented it. She was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sherman, where she was involved in the Legion of Mary, the St. Vincent De Paul Society, and the Singles Group. Chris was a passionate baker, and her friends and co-workers were always delighted to receive her treats! Every year she looked forward to preparing a sensational menu for her legendary Holiday Open House, where good food and great friends came together! She also loved to travel, and especially enjoyed cruises with family and friends. An unfulfilled last wish was for one more "toes in the sand" experience. Unfortunately, her declining health wouldn't allow it. Highlights of her travels were her trips to England, the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, and The World Figure Skating Championships in Vancouver. A serious skating fan, Chris even volunteered at the Nationals in Dallas. Some of her favorite pastimes included going to the movies every Tuesday, eating out with friends, and shopping—lots and lots of Shopping! Chris was the most kind and generous person you would ever want to meet. She never had an unkind word to say about anyone—whether they deserved it or not! Everyone that met her walked away a better person. A funeral mass will be said at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 727 S. Travis, July 11, 2018. A luncheon will follow. A rosary will be said at St. Anne's House, across from St. Mary's church on S. Travis, Sherman, TX, at 7:00 p.m. July 10, 2018. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, www.svdpthrift.org; or the Texarkana Animal League, www.texarkanaanimalleague.org. "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." Thomas Campbell