Christina Mae (Cochran) Arft

Christina Mae (Cochran) Arft, born on October 3, 1971, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Christina was the cherished daughter of Donald Allen Cochran Sr. and Betty Rose (Busbey) Cochran. She grew up in Salem, Missouri and graduated from Salem High School with the Class of 1990. Christina married the love of her life, Paul Arft Jr. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and friendship. She was blessed with one daughter, Helania, and lovingly welcomed two additional children, Angela and Philip, into her heart and family. Christina was deeply devoted to her family and treasured every moment spent with them. She especially adored her grandchildren and cherished the memories they created together. Her love extended beyond her immediate family to her many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. Throughout her life, Christina was known for her strong work ethic and friendly personality. She worked at Country Mart as a checker and in movie rentals before later joining US Foods, where she took phone orders. Christina also operated Flying A Farm and found joy in attending farmers markets with her garden bounty, homemade bread, muffins, and crafts. She also enjoyed sharing her experiences through live videos from the farmers market. An avid bowler, Christina enjoyed participating in league play and tournaments at Salem Bowling Center. She never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Her warm smile, welcoming nature, and genuine interest in others made her a friend to many. Whether she was spending time with family, tending her garden, baking for loved ones, or visiting with friends, she brought kindness, laughter, and authenticity wherever she went. Christina passed away on June 15, 2026, in Salem, surrounded by her loving family at the age of fifty-four years. Those left behind to treasure her memory include her loving husband: Paul Arft Jr. of Salem, MO; parents: Don and Betty Cochran of Salem, MO; children: Angela Wade-Arft of Newburg, MO, Philip Wade-Arft and wife Sarah of Caseyville, MO, and Helania Arft of Salem, MO; sister: Melinda Green and Jeremy Olsen of Utah; brother: Donnie Cochran Jr. and wife Jennifer of Salem, MO; grandchildren: Mckenzie, Taylor, Makayla, Mason, and Knox; mother-in-law: Sarah Arft; sister-in-law: Kelly Hobson; as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding her in death were her grandparents: Willard and Ruth Cochran and Lloyd and Maudie Busbey; nephew: Joseph Sutton; and father-in-law: Paul Arft Sr. Christina will be remembered as a beautiful soul whose humor, honesty, compassion, and unwavering love touched countless lives. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her memory will forever remain a blessing to her family and friends, and she will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. Services were held June 18, 2026, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Dwayne Cartwright and Kevin White officiating. The Family was served by Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Christina and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Christina Mae (Cochran) Arft

October 3, 1971 - June 15, 2026