Christa Renae Storch

Christa Storch, a remarkable embodiment of compassion and dedication, left this world on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the age of 53.

Christa was preceded in death by her father Harold Ricky Fout, stepfather Bruce Edward Wilson, cousin James Edward Shaner II (Jamie), and grandmother Bertha Fout.

Christa is survived by her husband Steven Mark Storch (Los Lunas, NM), daughter Allison Renae Storch (Durham, NC), brother Eric Wilson (Hilliard, OH), stepmother Peggy Suellen Fout (Pataskala, OH).

Born Christa Renae Fout on February 2, 1972, she devoted her life to serving others, particularly through her unwavering commitment to her family and local church, Los Lunas Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene (Los Lunas, NM).

Christa grew up in Lithopolis, OH a suburb of Columbus, the state capital. Christa graduated from Teays Valley High School in 1990 and after being accepted to Ashland University (Ashland, OH), graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Toxicology, Biology and Chemistry. In high school, Christa had many friends and did several activities including marching band and orchestra, where she played the flute. Christa also enjoyed horse riding and showing her horse, Pancho. Later in college, Christa was an active member of her sorority Alpha Phi. Through Alpha Phi, Christa participated in Community Care volunteerism on campus and worked in the game room. She was also recognized by Beta Beta Beta (National Honors Society in Biology) and was on the homecoming court her senior year.

Christa went on to have a successful career in Pre-Clinical Pharmaceutical research as a Senior Quality Assurance Auditor at Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, OH until 2005 and then Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute in Albuquerque, NM where she worked until 2013. Following her professional career, Christa elected to stay home to homeschool her daughter.

In 2001, Christa was married to Steven Mark Storch (from Mansfield, OH) in a beautiful ceremony at a resort in Nigril, Jamaica. She settled down with Steve in Canal Winchester, OH. In 2002, they were blessed with the birth of their only child, a daughter, Allison Renae Storch. In 2005, Christa relocated with her family to Los Lunas, NM where she and her husband had accepted jobs at a research facility on Kirtland Airforce Base, Albuquerque, NM. While the transition to New Mexico was challenging in the beginning, Christa ultimately embraced her new home and surroundings by finding connection, purpose in relationships with neighbors, church congregates and work colleagues. There Christa and Steve made a home for the next 20 years.

Christa’s passion for volunteerism shone brightly throughout her life. She engaged in numerous roles that shaped the hearts and minds of those around her through the New Mexico District Church of the Nazarene. She served as a New Mexico District Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI) council member, Nazarene Youth Conference (NYC) district coordinator, and member of the New Mexico District Nazarene Youth International (NYI) council where she worked tirelessly to support young people throughout her church New Mexico district. Her contributions extended to serving on the district advisory board and acting as the kid’s camp co-director, where her organizational skills benefited countless children at Bonita Park church camp in Ruidoso, NM. As the family camp children’s director and NM District children’s Bible Quizzing director, she inspired children to learn, grow, and thrive in their faith and knowledge of God’s Word. All her efforts and dedication to serving others were recognized when she was honored with the globally recognized Church of the Nazarene Timothy Award in 2025. It is a lifetime achievement award only given to recipients who exhibit “above and beyond” dedication to serving others and spreading the Gospel.

Christa held several positions at Los Lunas Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene which included: Church Secretary, Church Treasurer, Church and Daycare Administrative Assistant, Kids Church Teacher, Teen and Children’s Bible Quizzing Director, Worship Team Member, Board member and Pastoral Support.

Christa had an array of interests that brightened her life. She held a special place in her heart for Disney World, frequently sharing this love with her family and close friends who made frequent trips to the “Most Magical Place On Earth.” Concerning music, she enjoyed included artists such as Twila Paris, Amy Grant, Garth Brooks (Friends in Low Places), Pink and Taylor Swift as well as Praise and Worship music in general. Some of her favorite movies included: Ground Hog Day, When Harry Met Sally, Pretty Woman and Dirty Dancing. She did not like Horror or Suspense Thrillers.

Christa was a health-conscious individual, she enjoyed BeachBody (BODi) workouts and supplements so much she had a small side business coaching clients and promoting supplements and products. She worked with a team of coaches across the country and participated in several rallies, promo trips and even a cruise (Florida, Mexico, Cayman Islands) for coaches and sales members. To ensure her body reflected a healthy lifestyle Christa enjoyed eating “clean” and found several recipes with whole-food, non-processed ingredients. At-home workouts and daily walks through her neighborhood were common for Christa. This dedication to healthy living and fitness fueled her lifestyle of motherhood, service to others, and volunteerism.

Christa also enjoyed long rides on a touring motorcycle with her husband where they would take long weekend rides through the Desert Southwest Mountains (NM, AZ, CO, UT), seeing the sites, incredible natural beauty, small towns and wildlife. Christa enjoyed meeting people on these trips, enjoying local customs/cuisine and collecting keepsakes and many memories. Both Christa and Steve loved these shared adventures.

Christa’s greatest achievement was as a mother to her beautiful daughter Allison. Homeschooling her part-time 2008 to 2012 and full-time from 2013 until 2021, Christa was a devoted mother who would stop at nothing to give her daughter every chance to excel and experience the world. Christa volunteered as an assistant Girl Scout leader in Girl Scout Troop 10080 with Troop Leader Angela Sparks (Los Lunas, NM). Together they went on several trips, camps, outings, activities, learned numerous skills, taught the girls responsibility, instilled a strong work ethic (selling cookies, volunteerism) for achieving goals and civic responsibility along with making many, many beautiful, fun memories. The girl’s favorite was the RV trips. They would rent an RV, pick a state, and tour the many interesting sites throughout on a weeklong adventure. Christa cherished these adventures, challenges, and many good memories. Additionally, Christa while leading the local church kids and teen Bible quizzing teams went on many trips for competitions throughout New Mexico, West Texas, Arizona and California. She was able to impact many lives and make numerous, close friendships which she cherished.

Christa had a knack for collecting/hanging on to clothes and notes from high school, college and outings which reflected her appreciation for sentiment, good memories, and friendships. Christa’s favorite color was purple throughout her life but embraced pink as a sign of her evolving tastes. Additionally, Christa, who while living in Ohio thought common black pepper from a shaker could be too spicy, developed a taste and love for New Mexico Green Chile. The combination of the heat and flavor became a favorite for her. She would add it to eggs, pizza, soup, and was a must on any traditional New Mexican dish.

Christa Storch will be profoundly missed by her husband, family, friends, and all whose lives she touched with her kindness and selflessness. Her legacy of service, love, and devotion will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.

The family would like to thank those who have expressed condolences and offered support during this difficult time. The well wishes and help has made accepting the loss of Christa more bearable. 

Plans are underway for a celebration of life honoring Christa and her legacy. An announcement with details will be forthcoming.