Christina T. Grillas, 72, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Good Samaritan Luther Manor in Sioux Falls. Chris will be cremated with a casual memorial service for family & friends will be held at Miller Funeral Home at 10:00 am, Monday, June 1st, and a burial of the urn at Woodland Cemetery following.

Chris was born to Tom & Amanda Grillas at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. She remained a local girl most of her life, attending school in Sioux Falls and graduating from Washington High. She studied Sociology at UNL/UNO in 1973 and majored in Nursing in 1976 at the LPN School. Chris was also a volunteer Candy Striper at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Chris always had a heart of gold; she would do anything for anyone, especially if they were in need.  She loved animals, especially had a soft spot for dogs, and had one or two for most of her life.  She even had a pet goose, raised it from a baby.  She was so good with animals; they loved her, and she loved them.

Chris worked on countless puzzles, usually 300-piece puzzles that she would put together & take apart. She was an avid reader, and she loved the Harry Potter series most recently.

Chris also loved playing video games like solitaire, Nancy Drew (Detective Games), and Hidden Object Games. Chris belonged to a Card Club and loved playing with others. Her favorite TV programs were "I Love Lucy" and "Leave It To Beaver".

Her faith was strong, she never let her relationship with God slide, she read the bible and/or listened to spiritual music or a TV program. Above all else, Christina loved family, regardless of whether it was of blood family or not; her son Jesse was absolutely her world.  There was not much she wouldn't have done for him; he was her pride & joy, and she dedicated her life to him.

Chris also had another son, Justin, who was adopted out when Chris was young and was blessed to meet & get to know him in her later years.

Her favorite quotes were: "Walk slowly and carry a big stick" and "Let your conscience be your guide".

Grateful to have shared her life are her son, Jesse Grillas; her sister, Maria (Dave) Danner; nieces, Katie Danner and Lindsey Grillas.

There are several who are not blood but still became family along Christina's journey: Greta Carter, Otto Hoffman, Marlys Lindner,  Tamme Williams, Jeremy Weddell, Joseph Sullivan, Jesse Sullivan, Deb Anderson, Jeremy Anderson, and Jamie Hansen.

Chris was preceded in death by her parents, Tom & Amanda Grillas, and her brother Peter Grillas.

And those family friends who are gone but never forgotten, Mildred Kesterson, Marsha Heyer, Cheryl Hoffman.