Cristen Michele Shipman-Steinbeck

Cristen Michele Shipman Steinbeck passed away peacefully at the Jefferson County Health Center July 4, 2011 surrounded by her loved ones after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

According to Cristen's wishes her body has been cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Behner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

A memorial has been established to the Jefferson County Health Center's Medical/Surgical Flower Garden. Cards and memorials may be sent to Jim at 609 South 2nd St. Fairfield, Iowa 52556 or Ann at 2902 W. Jefferson St. Fairfield, Iowa 52556.

Cristen was born December 19, 1961 in Fairfield, Iowa graduating from FHS in 1980. She furthered her education at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa and also Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg.

At present she and her husband own and operate Ladies Workout Express. Previously Cris was assistant manager at the Soangetaha Country Club and then manager of the Lake Bracken Country Club, both in Galesburg. After moving back to Fairfield she worked at the Iowa State Bank then the Central Valley Bank (Mid-West One).

Cris loved spending time with her family, scrapbooking, cooking, and working out with her special friends at L.W.E.

She will lovingly be remembered by her husband, Jim; four children Joshua Durflinger of Ottumwa; Adam Durflinger of Cedar Rapids; Sara (Anthony) Howard of Ottumwa; and CJ Shipman-Steinbeck at home; and five grandchildren. Her mother, Ann Shipman of Fairfield; two sisters, Annette (Robert) Schmitt of Camanche, Iowa; Stefanie (Chris) Hanson of Phoenix, Arizona; and two brothers John Shipman of Phoenix, Arizona; Jamison (Ashley) Shipman of Liberty, Missouri; two step-daughters, Sommer (Roger) Lyons, Devon Steinbeck, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Cris was preceded in death by her father Walt Shipman on February 18, 2011 and also her maternal grandmother "Nana", Hazel Montgomery, who played a very important role in the lives of Cris and her siblings.