Christine Marie Smallman, age 67, of Delta, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday evening, February 3, 2026, at The Toledo Hospital. She was born in Toledo, Ohio on May 4, 1958, one of seven children born to the late Ralph L. Keefe and Beatrice (Logan) Keefe. Christine was a 1976 graduate of Evergreen High School and went on to attend the University of Toledo, where she earned her Ph.D. in Disability Studies; a reflection of her lifelong dedication to education and advocacy. On March 19, 1976, Christine married the love of her life, Terry L. Smallman, in Swanton, Ohio. Together they built a life rooted in family, service, and community, and were blessed with three children: Carolyn, Terry Jr., and Shelly. Christine devoted approximately 30 years of service to the University of Toledo, where she worked as Public Relations and Facilities Manager for the College of Engineering. Following her retirement from the university, Christine served as Principal at Holy Trinity Catholic School and then the Toledo Blade, before her final position at Farmland News as a writer and salesperson. Deeply committed to her community, Christine served on several boards throughout her life, including the Fulton County Board of Education, the Evergreen School Board, and the Fulton County American Cancer Society Board. Her leadership, compassion, and willingness to serve left a lasting impact on all who worked alongside her. In her spare time Christine shared her mother’s love for gardening, was always reading and planning the next big adventure for her family and or grandchildren. Christine always made birthdays and holidays inclusive to friends and extended family. Christmas was particularly special with frequent trips to Frankenmuth to ring in the holiday season. She enjoyed camping and lake house trips to Pokagon State Park and Lake James; where she especially loved and enjoyed all the wildlife. Christine was also a generous and charitable person donating time and funding to several organizations over the years. Christine is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Terry Smallman Sr.; her children, Carolyn Garza of Waterville, Terry Jr. (Mindy) Smallman of Lyons, and Shelly (Kim) Nielsen of Whitehouse; her cherished grandchildren, Lanegan, Hayden, Ireland, and Harper Smallman, and Tristan and Evelyn Nielsen; brother, Ralph (Linda) Keefe; sisters, Madeline (Wayne) Doble, Roberta (Dennis) Sharples, Sally (Dan) Kovar, Francis (Rich) Spencer, and Nancy (Ed) Bump. She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Family and friends will be received from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Barnes Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 5825 State Highway 109, Delta, Ohio. A funeral service celebrating Christine’s life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, also at the funeral home. Pastor Maryann Reimund will be officiating. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Delta. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Metroparks Toledo Foundation, 5100 W. Central Ave, Suite A, Toledo Ohio 43615 in Christine’s memory. Messages of comfort and condolences may be shared with the family at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com.