Connie Miller Christoph

Connie Miller Christoph passed away on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 after an extended struggle with ALS.

Born in Erlanger, Kentucky on August 30, 1953 to Clyde and Helen Miller, Mrs. Christoph earned her BA in Arts Education from Anderson University in 1976. She was married to James Robert Christoph in August, 1973.

As a dedicated Visual Art teacher, she poured her life into teaching and loving her students. She was known to her students and colleagues by her smile, her encouragement, and her warm hugs. Named Teacher of the Year at both Hillcrest Elementary and Alturas Elementary schools, she received even higher recognition as a finalist for Polk Teacher of the Year by her peers in 2011 for her tireless work and dedication to children and teaching. Connie continued teaching art right up until her recent surgery.

Mrs. Christoph filled numerous roles with the Lake Wales Art Center. She loved playing an active role in the Lake Wales Art Show each year, especially the student art portion. She took incredible pride in her students winning awards for their artistic efforts not only in Lake Wales but throughout central Florida.

Connie is survived by her husband, Dr. James Christoph, son Jamey (Washington D.C.), daughter Sarah and son-in-law Tim and new grandson, Liam (West Palm Beach, Florida).

Family, friends, and community will gather to honor her life and faith on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 11:00 am at South Lake Wales Church of God. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the ALS Foundation at
http://www.alsfoundation.org/donateorvolunteer.html