Christina Sturtz

Christina Dew Sturtz passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family on May 8, 2025.

Chrissy was born to Lois Mae and Myron Dew on February 23, 1952. She always said she could not have picked more perfect parents.

She moved to Coshocton at the age of 14 from Massillon, Ohio, when her father took a job as the store manager of O’Neils. Although resistant to the move at first, she became a fast favorite at Coshocton High School, where she made cheerleader and homecoming court. Moving to Coshocton led her to the life she always wanted, where she met Jerry, who had the horses she always loved to ride.

Chrissy is best known for her lifelong dedication to the Coshocton County Animal Shelter and HATA, where she tirelessly dedicated over forty years of her life to the animals and community of Coshocton. She served as the county humane agent and director of the animal shelter, until a lengthy illness separated her from her duties there. Chrissy knew no limits when it came to her passion and activism for animals. Her family anticipated she would often be a bit late to just about everything, because duty so often called. She loved the animal shelter that she helped build and expand, serving and helping the public, and cared so deeply for others in her many years at its helm. She touched the lives of thousands of animals, spanning over decades of deep and genuine compassion. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering sacrifice and commitment to the cause. She only ever wanted to help animals and those who loved them, and that she surely did.

Chrissy is survived by her loving and most faithful caregiver, husband Jerry of 50 years, her two daughters, Heather Dew Sturtz-Rosedale and Hayley Dew Sturtz, sons-in-law, Michael Rosedale and Beau Lonsinger and granddaughter Morgan Dew Rosedale, who brought more joy and light to her life, than one could have ever imagined. She fought so very hard to stay with them, and for as long as she possibly could.

Chrissy is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Myron and Lois Dew, in laws, Arlie and Clara Sturtz, and many loved ones whom we hope guided her lovingly into the next world—as we so deeply mourn her leaving ours.

She leaves behind countless supportive and dear friends, family, extended family, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews who filled her life with so many happy days, leaving her family with the most precious memories. Chrissy hosted numerous parties over the years at her home and farm, bringing family and friends together for the annual hayride, holidays, and many celebrations. She loved to open her home and heart to everyone that she could, bringing family together was one of her most favorite roles of her life. Her passion and care toward animals and the world around her, matched only by her love and care toward those of us lucky enough to have crossed paths with her.

Chrissy also leaves behind her beloved pet dogs, Wolfie and Riley, her “therapy” cat Buggie, and many other cats and beloved pets. She is survived by her beloved sisters and brothers, Roxanna Dew Bader (Richard), Mark Dew (Shelley) Cindy Dew Lash (Grant), and Martin Dew (Diane), and sisters-in-law, Janet Haines, Mildred Hagans, Teresa McCoy (Lance), Doris Parkhill, and brothers-in-law Tom Sturtz (Beth) and Larry Sturtz (Maureen).

This world is a much darker place, without her joyful spirit and unwavering kindness within it. We find comfort in knowing that the love shared always remains.

Calling hours will be held at The Miller Funeral Home Friday, May 16th, from 3-5pm. A private service for the family will follow, as we say a final goodbye to our sweet girl.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Chrissy’s honor and memory can be made to the animals of the Coshocton County Animal Shelter and HATA, 21755 Tr 164 Coshocton, Ohio 43812