Christina Marie Mielenz

Christina Marie (Underhill) Mielenz, age 51 years and 8 days, passed away August 9, 2021 in her home.

Christina was born August 1, 1970 in Concordia, Kansas, the third daughter of Dale and Marjorie (Schaffer) Underhill. Christina grew up in Beloit and Downs, Kansas and graduated from Downs High School with the class of 1988.

Christina worked with her sisters and her parents in their Bowling Center in Downs where she learned to repair and troubleshoot the bowling machines alongside her father. During high school Christina also had the opportunity to work in a friend's hair salon, where her love of cosmetology was born. Christina played softball and other sports through school, but she had a natural talent for bowling and through the gentle nudging of her father, she actively trained, practiced and pursued that gift. Christina attended Cloud County Community College but one of Christina's aspirations was to obtain a coveted spot on the Wichita State University "Shocker" bowling team. Christina was ecstatic when she learned they had offered her a scholarship to join them and attend WSU. The fulfilment of this dream was brief as new challenges emerged and she sustained back injuries in an automobile accident that changed the trajectory of her life.

Christina attended Barton County Community College and the local cosmetology school and moved to Topeka Kansas. She joined La Femme Hair Salon and then Artistic Hair where she thrived in her profession and cultivated many friendships for over 30 years.

Christina married Anthony (Tony) Mielenz on December 29, 2002, and she and Tony joyously welcomed their daughter, Kallahan Mykhail America on April 14, 2007. While their marriage wouldn't last forever, they remained committed to raising their beautiful daughter.

Christina had a creative mind far beyond outward changes for her clients; she could transform everyday items into beautiful décor and transformed sentimental items into something new and meaningful for her clients. Her creative passion is one she shared with her daughter, Kallahan, and one they often enjoyed exploring together; especially encouraging Kallahan's love of acting in theater productions. Kallahan was the greatest love of Christina's life.

Christina is preceded in death by her father Dale, her grandparents and several aunts and uncles.

Christina is survived by her daughter Kallahan; mother, Marjorie; sisters, Nina Underhill and Michelle Muñoz and her husband, Joe; aunts Veryl Schoen and Carol Smith; and many extended family members.

Christina's infectious smile allowed her to know very few strangers and she leaves behind many very close and valued friendships, some life-long and others more recent but she cared for and valued her clients like they were her family.

Visitation will begin at 10am with a memorial service to follow at 11am on Saturday, August 21, 2021 Grace Community Church, 4300 SW Burlingame Rd, Topeka.

Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St., Topeka, KS 66604 or to Kallahan Mielenz Fund c/o Penwell Gabel, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604.

To leave a message for Christina's family, please visit the guestbook below.