Christa M. Fisher

Fisher, Christa Marie, 93, retired music teacher, passed away on Friday, June 8, 2007. Christa was born on December 25, 1913, in Oklahoma City and was adopted by Fred and Minnie Fisher. The family subsequently moved to Kiowa, KS, where her father owned a “gents furnishings” store. She and her sister participated in all extracurricular activities available while in grade and high school, including track but particularly music. She took piano and trumpet lessons. Christa enrolled in classes at Friends University in Wichita and after two years began teaching while attending night classes. After graduation she went to Northwestern University in Evanston, IL for a Masters degree. Christa taught music 38 years throughout the school system in Wichita. Her first job was at Arkansas Avenue. Later there were years at Riverside, Lincoln, Hamilton J. High, Mead Jr. High, North High, South High and finally Wilbur Jr. High. She officially retired in 1976, but never really quit teaching and directing. Christa was a founding member of the Wichita Choral Society. She sang tenor with KFBIs Pioneer Quartet while the regular tenor was in the Armed Services. She sang with the Sweet Adelines. She played with a band which performed for senior citizens at churches and nursing homes. Christa organized the Silver Melodears for Intrust Bank in July of 1992. The group, which performed over 90 diverse programs for a variety of audiences, began with 13 people and grew to include 83 members in three years time. Some of her other achievements included being contralto soloist for Handels Messiah with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, performing the Messiah with the Singing Quakers and WSO chorus at Carnegie Hall, and singing with the Centennial troupe “The Spirit of Kansas” for the celebration which took place at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. She was also a member of the choir at First Presbyterian Church in Wichita for many years. Christa was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Minnie and her sister, Mary Crebs. Survivors include her niece, Linda (Bob) Boyle, 2 great-nieces plus 8 great-great-nieces and nephews. Private services will be held in Kiowa, KS. Memorials may be sent in her name to the First Presbyterian Church organ fund, 525 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS, 67214 or the Maude Carpenter Childrens Home, 1501 N. Meridian, Wichita, KS, 67203. Downing Lahey Mortuary East. Private services will be held in Kiowa, KS.