Cristy Lynn Whitaker, age 62, danced her way into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, January 11, 2024, while in her home in Mason, Texas surrounded by family.

Cristy was born on October 3, 1961, in California. She is the daughter of Martha Merritt (Mason) and the late Robert Merritt. Her father was a pilot in the Air Force, who moved the family to Texas in 1965. She grew up in Freer, Texas, and graduated from Freer High School in 1979. She completed her freshman year of college at Graceland University in Lamoni, IA only to return to Texas and marry her high school sweetheart, Gregg Whitaker on July 10, 1981. She loved her husband Gregg with a devotion and tenderness led by the Holy Spirit and her marriage was the foundation of her family. She later received her BS from the University of Houston in 1987.

Cristy, Gregg, and their two daughters Candice and Amy then moved to Mason in 1996 and together, they built a life and a home they loved. Cristy was a devoted wife, mother, Mimi, sister, and friend. She often volunteered for many community events and organizations, youth groups, Sunday School, and church organizations. Not only was she a full-time wife, mother, and Mimi, but she also worked for Dr. Glenn Ruthven from 2008 - December 2021. It was there that she continued to make new friends and impact the lives and smiles on so many faces in Mason. At an early age, Cristy accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and she dedicated her life to letting Christ's light shine through her. She had a vibrant soul, a smile that lit up every room she entered, and a magnetic personality, but most importantly, her love for her Savior Jesus Christ was unwavering and evident in her life and actions every day.

After Cristy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2023, she continued to cling to her faith and believed that Christ would heal her body. She was not alone in her fight and was very grateful to her family and many friends who fought alongside her every day. The magnitude of prayers for healing and restoration is greatly appreciated and has been fulfilled in her Eternal home. Her faith, strength, positive spirit, beautiful heart, and soul influenced and touched many lives and will continue to live on. Her words were humble and caring, and her actions bold and powerful.

Cristy is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Gregg Whitaker (Mason); two daughters, Candice Whitaker Hafley and husband Zack of Fredonia; Amy Whitaker of Mason; grandchildren Weston Simpson and Audie Hafley of Fredonia; mother Martha Merritt of Mason; mother-in-law Joan Whitaker of Mason; brother John Merritt of Houston; sister Nicki Cohagen and husband Mike of Lovington, NM; sister-in-law Terra and husband Kevin McMahon of Coleman; brother-in-law Jeff and wife Debbie Whitaker of Devine. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, numerous friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Merritt, father-in-law Weldon Whitaker, and brother Donald Merritt.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 11 a.m. at The River of Life Church Gym in Mason.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a ministry organization or charity of your choosing.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at masonfuneralhome.net