DonElla Christine "Cris" Strickbine passed from this life on January 29, 2026, at the age of 70.

Services are under the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Home in Sand Springs.

Cris was born on March 6, 1955, in Humansville, Missouri, to Donald and Gertha Stark. She graduated from Willard High School in Willard, Missouri, in 1973 and attended Evangel College and Southwest Missouri State College.

On September 18, 1976, she married Cary Strickbine, the love of her life. Together, they built a life and raised their family in Sand Springs, Oklahoma.

Cris had a lifelong passion for ceramics and painting and loved creating with her hands. She also enjoyed building and fixing things around the house, never shying away from a project. She worked for many years as a financial counselor at St. John's in Tulsa, where she was known for her dedication and care for others.

Cris was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and lived her life according to His word. She found strength and comfort in her faith throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Stark.

She is survived by her mother, Gertha Stark; her loving husband, Cary Strickbine; brother, Richard Stark; children, Alexander Strickbine and wife Tracy Carriger, and Erich Strickbine and wife Misky Bearbow; along with other family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Private family services are being planned.