Chrissie D. Kephart

Chrissie Diane Reames Kephart was born on June 7, 1949, at Still Hospital in Des Moines. She was the second daughter born to William J Reames and Ethel Mae Pitts. Chris grew up in Clive, Iowa when Clive was still considered to be out in the country. “Hobos” were still around and had a camp just across the railroad from her home. When Chris was just 2 she "helped" her parents with the renovation of the home. Chris would renovate homes her entire life.

Chris worked hard in school. One teacher told her she was not college material, but Chris was determined to become a teacher and worked diligently to prove that teacher wrong. Chris loved to read. She even had enough books to have her own library. She played the accordion. As a young adult, she worked on the production line at Reames Foods, helping the family business. She played high school basketball. In 1967, she graduated from Valley High School, and went on to Greenville College in Illinois to graduate with a degree in Elementary Education, achieving her dream! She worked for Des Moines Christian and Des Moines Public schools until she retired.

She married James D. Kephart in 1973 and later adopted 2 girls, Jinah, from Korea and Rebekah from China. Chris dreamed of a mulit-racial family or having a family from around the world. She and Jim taught Sunday school for decades and often took the refugee Sunday school class shopping for school supplies and winter coats.

Chris and Jim did everything together. They were avid downhill skiers, loved riding motorcycles, sailing, camping, and even learned to play guitar together. They renovated homes. Chris was strong and could out work anyone! In her spare time, she read, did various needle work, and made "stuff". She loved life and had a contagious laugh and smile.

Chris had only one goal in her life, to see her entire family in heaven. She loved the Lord and made a life decision early in her life to follow Him. Chris and Cindy (her sister) together accepted Christ as their Saviour at a young age, holding hands praying at the front of the church, together. She and Jim loved missions and supported missionaries around the globe. They loved children and supported many orphanages as well.

Chris left this world on January 24, 2024 after losing her battle with dementia. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Ethel and William Reames, and her husband James (Jim) Kephart. She will be missed by her daughters Jinah Kha, Rebekah Kephart, stepdaughter Cindy, stepson Jimmy, her grandchildren, Aalysia Kephart, Jayden Windsor, Logan Kha and Laiya Kha and her great-grandson Malachi Fransen, her sisters Lucinda Hammerberg (David) and Jodi Hudson, many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Chrissie's Celebration of Life will be held at New Hope Assembly of God, 4425 70th Street in Urbandale on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 11 AM in the Student Campus Chapel with snacks following. Her internment will be in June with a private family ceremony at the Veterans Cemetary in Van Meter.


Memorial contributions may be directed to either of the churches she attended, New Hope Assembly of God or First Church of the Open Bible. Please mark MISSIONS for either church.

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