Christine Phyllis Blair (née Gerding), age 74, of Wentzville, Missouri, passed away on April 11, 2026, with her daughters by her side at Evelyn's House in Creve Coeur, Missouri.

Christine—known simply as Chris to those who loved her—was born on December 29, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Charles H. Gerding and MaryAnn Gerding (née Moloney). She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and "second mom" to many. Her kindness, strength, humor, compassion, and—most recently—her incessant humming touched countless lives.

She is survived by her loyal furry companion, Moose; her daughters, Christie Becker-Markovich (née Blair) and her husband, Jason Markovich, of Wentzville, MO, and Carrie Blair and her partner, Robert Williams, of University City, MO. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Brytani Williams-Blair, Kyle Becker, DeAndre Bledsoe Jr., Bryce Becker, KeAndre Bledsoe, Alec Becker-Markovich, Ethan Markovich, Ayanna Williams, Claire Markovich, and Robert Williams Jr.; as well as her great-grandchildren: Paidyn Bledsoe, Harper Becker, DeAndre Bledsoe III, and Camryn Becker.

Chris is also survived by her siblings, Charles H. Gerding Jr. (Cindy) of Dittmer, MO, and Melissa Lawrence (Tim) of Pearl River, LA; and her sister-in-law, Shirley Gerding of Crystal City, MO. She leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews: Lori Holdinghausen, Kimberly Harrison, Dena Rowe, Jackie Twillmann, Amy Rice, Matthew Gerding, and Aaron Gerding.

She shared special bonds with Terrence Henderson, Yakira Cole, Sara Pellett, Ritika Sedhai, Nicholas Schneider, and Jordan Hampton.

Chris was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Patrick C. Gerding; her sister, Kathryn D. Moreland (Bange); her son-in-law, Steven G. Becker; and her grandsons, Jace Brayden Markovich and Bobby Williams.

As a single mother, Chris dedicated her life to her "Party of 3," which grew into her beloved "Party of 13+." She was known for her bright smile during the 20 years she spent waitressing weekday lunches at the Surrey Inn and Blair House Restaurant, and for bartending Saturday evenings at Ellen's. She later devoted more than two decades to her work as a Pharmacy Technician at Express Scripts until her retirement.

Chris found joy in family gatherings and vacations filled with sunshine, pools, oceans, swim-up bars, and laughter. She especially treasured time with her grandchildren and their surprise pop-in visits with chocolate malts and their needling of her pleasure in watching Asian soap operas on YouTube. She will be remembered for always answering the phone or opening her door to anyone who needed a listening ear, a hug, a dollar, or a place to stay. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for delivering unfiltered honesty—sometimes startling, often spot on, always genuine.

A memorial service will be held on April 17, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Collier's Funeral Home, 3400 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Ann, Missouri 63074. A prayer service will begin at 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Evelyn's House: www.foundationbarnesjewish.org/give-hospice .

Chris, the pillar of our family, will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.