1945
Jane
2024
Jane E. Christofis
October 31, 1945 — March 14, 2024
Youngstown
She was born on October 31, 1945, in Youngstown, Ohio to parents William and Betty (Beck) Auman. Her siblings are Jack Auman of Boardman, and Carol Graf, Jan O’Malley, and Helen Auman of Poland. Jane was part of the South High graduating class of 1963, participating in the flagline, and being picked by her peers for homecoming court. Though she didn’t win homecoming queen, her dad cheered her up by saying she’d always be his queen. Jane enjoyed ballet and all types of dance, and shared a fondness for musicals with her mom.
Jane is remembered by her children, Carol (Dan) Burtner of New Springfield, Rick Ayers of Dayton, and Matt (Wanda) Ayers of San Antonio, Texas, as being a fun but pragmatic mother. According to family lore, she took a turn too quickly in the era before car seats, and 4-year old Ricky opened the back door of the car and rolled out right into a soft, grassy culvert. Without missing a beat she turned the car around, plopped Ricky back in, and the family continued on their way with no injuries incurred.
Her blend of fun and sensibility was also evident in her work, volunteer activities, and hobbies. Her first job was in a bank, and she also spent time as a fitness instructor, an assistant track coach, and a poll worker. She was a staunch supporter of women’s rights and could be heard belting out "I Am Woman," while working around the house. She took up running with her siblings and completed the Columbus Marathon in 1980 as well as many Youngstown Peace Races.
The best life partners balance each other, and such was the case when Jane met her future husband, Steve Christofis, while the two were playing racquetball in the early 80s. They enjoyed over 40 years of marriage before Steve passed away on December 4, 2023. Throughout their marriage the two were inseparable, and enjoyed travels with friends and family to a variety of destinations like Atlantic City, San Antonio, Las Vegas, Orlando, New Orleans, and Gettysburg. Jane and Steve hosted some raucous New Years’ Eve parties, and Jane liked to brag that she only turned on her stove once a year when she made her famous New Year’s Day pork and sauerkraut dinner.
Jane loved her family unconditionally and could lift anyone’s spirits with her heartfelt compliments. She and Steve were in the audience of any and all of her nieces,’ nephews,’ grandkids,’ and greats’ sporting events, dance recitals, gigs and graduations. She was generous in sending greeting cards, with her typical and endearing “Love You Bunches,” sign off. Some grandparents sing lullabies, but Jane regaled her little ones with "Here Come the Browns..." while marching them around the room. Ever a fan of the underdog, she loved her Browns, Tribe, Buckeyes, and Cavs.
Besides her siblings, children, and son- and daughter-in-law, Jane is survived by her brother-in-law; ten grandkids, Sara, DJ, Willy, Josh, Victoria, Nicole, Danielle, Zach, Laura, Tim, and their spouses and partners; 12 great-grandkids; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws, her husband, her brother-in-law, her sister-in-law, her nephew, several beloved household pets, and many dear friends and extended family.
While the last several months were challenging for Jane, the staff at the St. Mary’s Alzheimer’s Center made the final leg of her journey as comfortable as possible, for which her family is eternally grateful. A celebration of the lives of both Jane and Steve is being planned for this summer. The family requests that anyone wishing to contribute a memorial donation on Jane’s behalf do so to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of the Valley. You’ll always be our queen, Jane. Love you bunches.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Davis-Becker Funeral Home in Boardman. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jane E. Christofis, please visit our flower store.
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