Christina’s life began on January 9, 1976 in Bellefontaine, Ohio, the daughter of Robert Michael and Carol (Allen) Yelton.

She was a 1994 graduate of Dowagiac Union High School.

She was united in marriage to Eric Thomas Riggs on Nov. 1, 2003, at the Apostolic Lighthouse Church in Dowagiac.

Christina was a member of the Apostolic Lighthouse Church.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed visiting the library.

Christina, 33, of Marcellus, is survived by her loving husband Eric; she was a second mother to Alexandra Robinson of Marcellus, her father Robert Michael Yelton of Bellefontaine, her mother Carol Allen of Dowagiac, her father who raised her Dale Schmeltz of Dowagiac, grandmother Jeannie Yelton of Bellefontaine, grandfather John Gorman of Conover, Ohio; sisters Shauna (Jeff) Rinehart of Pontiac and Stephanie Henslee of Dowagiac; brothers J. Michael Yelton, Robbie Lee Yelton, Brad Randel Yelton and Benjie Joe Yelton all from Bellefontaine, Ron (Jennifer) Taylor of Dowagiac and James Taylor of Bellefontaine, and many nieces and nephews.

Christina passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.

Her family will gather with friends on Sunday, Nov. 1, from 3 to 6 p.m. at McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home.

Her funeral service will he held on Monday at 11 a.m. at the Apostolic Lighthouse Church in Dowagiac, led by Pastor Brian DeLong.

She will be laid to rest in Marcellus Cemetery following funeral service.

Please sign her guestbook, and leave a memory of Christina at www.mclauchlin-clark.com.