Twila May Christner

Twila May (Saine) Christner, born May 14, 1949, passed into the presence of her Lord, October 2, 2021, following a brief illness. She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, William (Bill) Christner, whom she married on August 10, 1976. She was the proud mother of Rev. Alan (Jennifer) Christner and Heather (Eric) Stanbery; loving grandmother of, Emily and Timothy Christner, and Amanda Stanbery. She also leaves behind her lifelong friend, Lois Brown; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A native of Sylvan, Kansas, Twila was born at home to a farming family. Her parents, Milford and Verle Saine, preceded her in death. She and her siblings, Joyce (Bill) Lawrence, Randy (Sheryl) Saine, Maxine (Ken) Bignell, and Barbara (Dale, dec.) OMaley, enjoyed life on the farm.

Twila loved to tell stories of the many capers she and her siblings got into. When Twila was 11 years of age, her father felt called by God to move his family to Colorado Springs, CO so that he could enter his children into People's Bible College and Academy. It was there that Twila learned to sew, becoming a very talented seamstress, and developed her lifelong passion for art.

After she moved to Ohio to teach school, she met and married Bill, she went on to become a well-known and sought after seamstress. Her crowning achievements were making her daughter-in-law, Jennifer's, wedding dress from looking at a porcelain bride doll's dress, and designing and making her daughter, Heather's wedding dress. For years, Twila worked as a seamstress for BerryFit in Dover, building lifelong friendships. Twila also learned the trade of upholstery and taught it to her children. Many happy hours were spent in the workshop recovering furniture together. Twila also learned to bake very delicious wedding cakes. For many years, Twila was an art teacher for the New Philadelphia Center for the Arts. She also gave private lessons as well as taught most recently at Starlight and homeschool co-op.

Twila loved people and she loved Jesus, she never met a stranger, and never stopped learning. She authored a book sharing all the hilarious stories of the many scrapes she seemed to manage to get into. Two weekends ago, she sold and signed numerous copies at a ladies retreat. Twila was passionate about her family and friends knowing Jesus and meeting her in Heaven. If she could speak here now she would tell you nothing is more important than being ready for Heaven. Twila attended Zoarville Christian Chapel where her son pastors.

DUE TO COVID WITHIN THE FAMILY, CALLING HOURS AND FUNERAL CEREMONIES HAVE BEEN POSTPONED

Memorial contributions may be made to the Zoarville Christian Chapel at 7427 Main St. Zoarville, Ohio 44656.