Christine Lee (Christman) Harshman (aka Chris or Tina), 72, a lifelong resident of Wanatah, IN, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, March 8, 2025, after a short battle with esophageal cancer. She was born on September 25, 1952, in Valparaiso, Indiana to Leonard and Thelma (Johnson) Christman of Wanatah. Christine had two young daughters, who were the center of her world when she met the love of her life, Jerry D. Harshman, Sr. He promised her and her daughters a life of love and they were married on August 23, 1986. They quickly became a “Team”, not only in life, but as “Over the Road” long haul semi-truck drivers. They spent 25 years traveling across the country, shifting gears and making memories. It wasn’t always an easy way of life, but it was a life she was proud of, it provided them a living and a million stories to tell. Christine then made the loving choice to end her “Over the Road” trucking career to take care of her ailing mother (Thelma) at home, which she did so wonderfully for many years before her mother’s passing.
Christine’s daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchild were her greatest pride and joy. She never missed a chance to show off their pictures or brag about them. She loved her friends like family and never met a stranger. She will be missed by all that knew her, including her dog Peanut.
Christine is survived by her husband of 38 years, Jerry D. Harshman, Sr., daughters: Stacey (Paul) Carrera and Gean (Rich) Rennier, grandsons: Austen Corneil And Lucas (Pearl) Welch, granddaughters: Kelsey Rennier and Madison Becker, great-granddaughter: Millie Welch, step-son: Jerry Harshman, Jr., whom she also loved like her own, along with his loving wife Julia and their children and grandchild. Additional step-grandchildren, she kept close to her heart, multiple nieces and nephews and all the friends she cherished like family. Christine was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Thelma (Johnson) Christman, and her sisters: Marie (Christman) Henn and Barbara (Christman) Martin, and step-grandson, Joseph Becker.
To honor our mother’s wishes, there will be no funeral service and interment of ashes will be private. We invite you to please celebrate Christine’s memory in your own way and remember her often.
