Christa McLaren-Morris

SUN CITY, ARIZONA - Christa McLaren-Morris, 57, passed away November 4, 2024. Christa was born March 30, 1967, in Aurora, Illinois, to David McLaren and Carla Ohime McLaren. A 1985 graduate of West Aurora High School, where she was an awarded swimmer, she later earned her B.S. in mathematics from Northern Illinois University. She worked as an IT consultant in Springfield, Illinois, where she met and married the love of her life, Marty Morris.

With Marty’s encouragement and support, Christa resumed swimming, becoming a United States Masters adult learn to swim instructor. As a masters swimmer and member of the Sun City Starrs swim team, she won numerous Senior Games and Masters Swimming medals. Christa and Marty divided the year between their homes in Sun City, AZ, and Chatham, IL, following the sunny warmth to swim, mountain bike, hike, and spend time with their many friends and their dog and two cats.

Christa connected with people in the truest way. There was nothing false or contrived about her. She had a genuine interest in others’ thoughts and feelings, a keen perception of the essence of a person, and an immense generosity of heart. She was supportive as a friend, teacher and coach, bringing out the best in people and drawing them together for activities and trips. She served as president of the Springfield Ski Club and participated in organizations including the Springfield Newcomers and Springfield Bicycle Club. She was an avid reader and lifelong learner. She doted on her stepson and step-grandson and treasured her friendship with her sister-in-law Melinda. She was the best friend, and the most loving wife.

Christa is survived by her husband Marty, step-son Skylar Morris (Jill), step-grandson Everett, and sister-in-law Melinda Morris Nash (Robert). A celebration of life will be held May 4, 2025, 4-6 p.m. at the B.P.O. Elks Club #158 in Springfield, IL.