Krista Kaye Schwartz's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Krista Schwartz
Krista Schwartz, 42, of Decatur, IL passed on from this life on March 12, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. Krista was surrounded by loved ones at St. John’s in Springfield and kept everyone awake past closing time, again. Krista’s journey touched the lives of many, leaving behind so many awesome memories and a legacy of toughness and resilience. Krista’s smile never faded, her spirit never wavered and her kind, sweet soul remained with her until her last breath.
Krista was born in Decatur, IL on August 30, 1981 to Steve and Karen Schwartz. She was raised off of Fort Daniel Rd, Decatur, IL, she attended Mt. Zion High School where she played basketball and met many lifelong friends before graduating in 1999. She graduated from Millikin University in 2003 with a degree in Accounting. She worked as an Accounting Manager for Great American Insurance Group (formerly ADM Crop Risk Services) for the last 15 years. She was an avid fisherman, often out fishing her Dad, Jared and pretty much everyone else. She enjoyed morning sunrises in the big window on Lake Decatur, fishing on the river in Florida, where she would casually confirm having the catch of the day at the bait shop with her loved ones. She also enjoyed camping, all things outdoors, watching and playing sports, live music, and spending time with family and friends doing anything she didn’t have to plan. No matter when or where Krista was seen with a smile on her face and ready to have an amazing time.
Krista brought great joy to everyone she knew, always had a smile on her face and possessed a contagious laid-back personality. Her personality was truly one of a kind, she could be the voice of reason or life of the party, and often times, both. Her sense of humor and quick wit were unmatched. Krista was an amazing mother, daughter, sister, aunt, life partner and friend to many.
Krista was preceded in death by her grandparents Stan and Mae Schwartz, Decatur IL, O.W. and Donna Johnson, Decatur, IL, Uncle Larry Schwartz, Decatur, IL, and Uncle Mike Schwartz, Palmer, AK.
Krista is survived by her parents, Steve and Karen Schwartz of Decatur, IL, soulmate Jared Perry, daughters Ava Gray, Reyna Perry, and son Tristan Gray with fiancé Bri Amos of Decatur IL, brother Jay and Greta Wadkins of Ladera Ranch, CA, and Chad Schwartz of Decatur, IL.
A celebration of Life will be held in the neighborhood on Lehman Road at 3pm on Saturday, March 23, 2024, which is just the way Krista would want it.
A special thanks to Dr. Gillison and the staff at Springfield Clinic, along with many other doctors and nurses at St. John’s Hospital for aggressively helping fight the good fight.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hillside Bethel Christian (3575 E Greenhill Rd, Decatur, IL).
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Moran and Gobel Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Krista?
What’s a lesson you learned from Krista?
Share a story where Krista's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Krista you’ll never forget.
How did Krista make you smile?