Christine J. (Para) Varnado

Christine J. Varnado, 76 of Tracy, MO passed away, Monday, April 6, 2015 at her home.

She was born on March 6, 1939 to Joseph and Bertha (Pedtke) Para in Chicago, IL. Christine grew up in Nashville, IL and graduated from Nashville High School. She then served her country in the U.S. Marine Corps for twelve years and retired as a Staff Sergeant. During her time in the service, she was stationed in Washington D.C. at the Pentagon, the Marine Air Wing in Hawaii and the Recruiting Office in St. Louis. In 1978 she received her Bachelors of Science Degree at the Southern Illinois University. Christine later received her Masters in Health Administration from Webster University.

On October 22, 1966 she was united in marriage to Bud Varnado, Master Sergeant E-8, in St. Louis, MO. After their marriage they lived in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and Tracy, MO.

Christine worked for the Onslow County Health Department and the Mental Health Department both in North Carolina and the Missouri Division of Aging.

She was a member of the Smithville American Legion Post. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandsons.

Christine was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Edward Para.

She is survived by her husband, Bud, of the home; daughter Kristie Grenier and husband Paul; grandchildren, Zackary and Dalton Grenier; sister, Louise Mierkowski and husband Jerry; one niece and two nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Visitation: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Monday, April 13th at the Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville.

Burial: 1:30 p.m. Monday at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.