Christa Lynn Patrick
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Christa Lynn Patrick (September 8, 1970 – October 22, 2021)
For those who called Christa Patrick a family member, or a friend, “loyal” seems too small a word to describe this strong woman who gave so much of herself to so many. Christa passed away peacefully at her mother’s home in Merriam, KS on Friday, October 22, 2021, after a valiant four-and-a-half-year battle against Metastatic Breast Cancer.
Christa was born in Redwood City, CA. Soon after, she moved with her family to Boise, ID, and then on to the Kansas City area as a teenager. She graduated from Blue Springs High School, attended the University of Central Missouri, then transferred and graduated from the University of Kansas. Christa was a KU fan through and through. She took her mom and nieces to many games and cheered on the Jayhawks without fail. Christa was a proud member of Sigma Kappa sorority, which she credited for bringing her “out of her shell” and for the start of several lifelong friendships.
Christa began a profession in radio in the early 90s. It took her to Tallahassee, FL, Minneapolis, MN, and Bristol, CT. She filled various roles from on-air personality to audio engineer to writer. Over her 30-year career, she also enjoyed being Director of Community Relations for the KC Command Arena Football Team and a KMBC-9 TV Helicopter Traffic Reporter. In 2005, Christa’s lifelong passion for sports led to her dream job at ESPN writing for the Mike & Mike show. She returned to Kansas City in 2011 and was thrilled to celebrate Royals World Series and Chiefs Super Bowl appearances while working for 810 Sports Radio and the Chiefs Radio Network. Christa worked her last show on October 17, when the Chiefs beat the Washington Football Team. She diligently trained her replacement in her final weeks, and had been texting to encourage him just hours before her passing. Whether Christa was on-air, on the game-day field, in a helicopter, or behind a sound board, she was fully dedicated to the highest quality production and always put her team and colleagues first.
Christa loved to go fishing. Her best days were spent on the water, in her kayak, with a fishing pole. Any time was a good time to cast a line and she did so skillfully. Without fail, she had the biggest catch of the day. Christa enjoyed adventure. Some of her favorite travels were to Arizona to visit family, attend Royals Spring Training, and even raft the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. She loved visiting Boston to take in Red Sox games at Fenway Park almost as much as she loved an afternoon at The K. She spent countless hours of her free time participating in local fundraising events such as BIGGSteps Kansas City, where in 2017 she was honored by being chosen to speak and recite the Runner’s Prayer. Christa was always drawn to sporty cars. In the 90s, she could be spotted in her red Dodge Stealth, and most recently in her blue Tesla Model 3.
Christa is preceded in death by her beloved brother, Kevin Paul Patrick, as well as faithful animal companions, Tami, Jazz, and Sweet Pea. Left to cherish her memory are her mother and stepfather, Stella and Ralph Gundelfinger of Merriam, KS; father, Vern Patrick of Boise, ID; sister-in-law Mary Kathleen (Kathy) Patrick of Olathe, KS; nieces and goddaughters, Mackenzie and Megan; extended family and numerous friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 11am on Monday, November 8, at Church of the Resurrection-Downtown, 1601 Grand Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64108. Christa’s family encourages mask-wearing and current local mask requirements will be observed. Livestream will be available at cor.org/memorialsonline.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be made to: The V Foundation for Cancer Research, www.v.org, 14600 Weston Parkway Cary, North Carolina 27513.
I was so blessed to meet Christa in college at Sigma Kappa. We roomed together and had so many laughs. Never a mean word came out of her mouth and always there for support. Heaven certainly did get one of the best. She will be greatly missed. Hugs and condolences to her family.
Christa was one of my best friends growing up. From kindergarten until she left for Kansas in Middle School. I have many memories of the time we spent together. Building wooden ramps and jumping bikes, playing basketball, baseball flag football, tag doge ball or swimming. The list goes on. 90% she beat me at all of it. We managed to keep in touch on and off over the years, but when I found out she had cancer, we were able to rekindle our friendship over the last three and a half years and I am thankful for that time we got. I will truly miss her. My heart goes out to her family and the rest of her friends.
Christa and I met at our yoga for cancer patients group at St Luke’s. Christa was a cheerleader for our small group, always encouraging and supportive. Her athleticism and competitive spirit were evident and we soon started playing golf, along with my husband Pat, in the evening at Sykes Lady or St. Andrews. She will be sorely missed by the many lives she touched.
I knew Christa by her mom . Her mom always mentioned her she was a very caring soul .I know when pandemic start her mom told me Christa does not allow me to work she said stay at home after pandemic I asked her are you ready to come back but her daughter Christa was not ready she was the one who took care of her mom .Her mom is a great lady she is very nice kind and helpful as well. I am sure her daughter was the same. I have a lot of prayers for Christa and her family
Christa first came into our lives when she would stay with our dogs when we were on trips. Eventually, we moved to AZ and we were pleased when she would stay with us when she came to visit family. We would attend Royals spring training games and even try some golf. Not sure we ever met a finer person. She will be missed.
Vic and I loved Christa who was so funny, kind and happy. She loved her career. We have many hood memories. May The Lord comfort her family and friends and bring them oeace.
Christa was our neighbor in CT while she worked at ESPN…she became a great friend and spent holidays with my family and I when she couldn’t return to her hometown to be with her own family. I loved her and we had so many memories together!
Christa was a Bad Ass sorority sister & roommate – with THE COOLEST CAR on the KU campus. She was paving her way early – working the overnights at the radio station in Kansas City. You just knew she would follow her passions. We had many crazy fun nights – and will always cherish the laughs we had together. Miss you my old friend and sending lots of love to her family ??
It was a pleasure knowing and working with Christa at KFKF and CJ-106 back in the 90s. She was always positive and willing to work hard. I will miss her.
This hurts. I had the instant pleasure to have worked with and gotten to know Christa, when we both worked for ESPN in Bristol.
Her humor and good nature was infectious.
Sadly, as it goes, we lost touch over the years.
In a stereotypical “woulda, shoulda, coulda” I looked her up today…and my heart hurts. Sometimes you meet people in life and know they are just good people. Christa was one of those. I am sad we lost touch. I am sorry we drifted and life got in the way. Christa I know you are STILL making souls smile and laugh with that infectious smile and sense of humor. I miss you sweet lady and friend. À la prochaine