The "bestest" family of Laura, Jim, and Trinity Scharphorn, Shianne, Mason, and Lucas Lalone, Jennifer Misner, with Gwen and Blake, along with bestest friend Susan Kellum, are announcing that Christina Hager, lovingly known as "Auntie Chris," has graduated to glory.

Christina Ann Hager, age 61, previously of Kentwood, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 21, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born on April 1, 1965, in Battle Creek, MI. She graduated from Crystal River High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Grand Valley State University.

Chris embraced life with a spirit of adventure and a deep love for the people who shared those adventures with her. She traveled to 47 states, always joking that Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii were the only ones left unconquered. Along the way, she dipped her toes in both the Pacific Ocean in San Diego and the Atlantic Ocean in Charleston, touched a glacier lake in Montana, went whale watching in California, and flew in a hot air balloon. One of her favorite memories was driving across the highest point on the continental divide in the Grand Teton National Park; a road trip she lovingly called the "bestest" adventure.

Chris collected passport stamps from Baguio City in the Philippines where she volunteered at a Mission for children. She also treasured experiences like riding a ferry across Lake Michigan, eating the best cheese in Wisconsin, attending NASCAR races, and spending peaceful hours sitting by the water listening to the waves.

An avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast, Chris completed more than 2,000 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail through 13 states, proudly noting she finished all but "those eight stinking miles in Georgia." She also walked in Central Park, New York, and completed her first solo hike around Tahquamenon Falls State Park, a 10-mile journey that sparked countless more adventures through over 120 trails and nature parks. Chris explored sections of the North Country National Scenic Trail, hiked the Badlands National Park with "no shoes Jennifer," walked the rim of the Grand Canyon, saw moose in Canada, and wandered around Niagara Falls on a rainy day.

She loved sharing adventures with family and friends, including climbing Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with Laura and Jennifer, climbing Warren Dunes State Park with Shianne and Trinity, hiking throughout Arizona with Sue, and walking the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day twice — once with Sue and once with Britta. Chris also loved biking, whether it was miles around Kent County with Britta and Sue or completing the 386-mile Shoreline West Bike Tour from Montague to Mackinac City.

Chris found her greatest joy in the people she loved; always grateful for the love and care they showed her throughout the years. Chris and Laura shared a bond that was truly a masterpiece of love and understanding. They enjoyed countless adventures together; weekend hikes, spontaneous road trips to nowhere. Their travels took them to special places like Disney World. SeaWorld, and Cocoa Beach, Florida. One unforgettable adventure even had them being chased by tornados in Arkansas as they set out to pick up a Great Dane puppy which they lovingly named, Laceyjane.

Chris spent many nights staying up late with Shianne and Trinity (who once a month, needed a break from mom and dad) to spend the weekend with "Auntie Chris" for movie nights, coloring pages, and eating popcorn and blueberries.

Chris cherished every lunch date with Britta. She also deeply appreciated her Assembly team family, whose cheers, encouragement, text messages, and ever-important chocolate drawer, helped carry her through each workday. Above all, Chris lived a good life filled with family, friendship, adventure, and memories that will be treasured forever.

Chris is survived by her siblings: Laura (James) Scharphorn, Jeff (Marie) Hager, and David Hager. Also surviving are her nieces and nephews: Trinity, Shianne, Mason, Lucas, Jennifer, Gwen, Blake, and Mykenzie.

Please join the family to celebrate grandly, the life well lived, by Auntie Chris and find peace in the wonderful memories we created. She will always be a voice in our ears and a beat in our hearts. Her stories became a connection to who we were and who we became.

The Memorial Visitation for Chris will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Klaassen Family Funeral Home.

A private graveside service will be held at Robinson Township Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to The Pink Fund.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Christina Ann Hager, please visit our floral store.