Callista Von Gregg's Obituary
Callista Von Gregg, a vibrant, selfless, and loving woman, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, one day short of her 68th birthday on October 11, 2024. Born on October 12, 1956, in McPherson, Kansas, to Charles Colyn and Audrey (Duke), she was the youngest of four children. Callista was well named by her parents from the Greek word Kalos, her name means "most beautiful." Not only was she outwardly beautiful, but also had an inward loveliness of character. She was an honorable, virtuous, kind-hearted daughter of God.
Raised in McPherson, she grew up being very close to her sisters and Colyn cousins. She graduated from high school in 1974 and married her high school sweetheart, Gene Gregg, in June of 1975. They attended Central College in McPherson before moving to Oklahoma to attend Oral Roberts University. Callista later transferred to the University of Tulsa, where she earned a bachelor's degree in early childhood education.
She initially worked for Broken Arrow Public Schools, but her nurturing spirit led her to a long and fulfilling career as a nail technician. Callista worked in various salons before creating a cozy nail room in her own home, where she lovingly served her clients for over 30 years. In 2019, driven by her deep appreciation for historic homes and their unique charm, she obtained her real estate license. A proud advocate of preserving the beauty and history of downtown Broken Arrow, where she lived since 1979, she dedicated much of her heart to restoring the area's elegance.
Callista's passion for gardening was matched only by her love for baking, especially her famous sugar cookies. Her happiest moments were spent in the kitchen with her beloved grandchildren, teaching them to bake as their little hands helped from their perch on the countertops. She was also a very talented seamstress, making Halloween costumes and clothes for her kids and Christmas stockings for her grandkids.
With a heart full of love, Callista remained deeply connected to friends and family throughout the years. She always knew what was happening, staying up-to-date and fully engaged in the lives of those she cherished. Sunday dinners were a highlight of her week, as she gathered with her family to share food and laughter. Her faith in Jesus guided her life, making it easy for her to love others wholeheartedly. Her humor, warmth, and strength will be forever remembered by all who knew her.
Callista is survived by her children: Ethan Gregg and his wife, Megan, along with their children, Parker and Eliza; Talitha Jacobs and her husband, Keith, with their children, Theo, Wren, and Knox; and Charis Gregg, along with her children, Andres and Elyn; daughter-in-law, Marissa Boggs; her ex-spouse, Gene Gregg; her sisters, Carmela Leach and Cozette Christian; and a host of extended family and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Charles Craig Colyn, and her son, Sterling Gregg.
Callista's legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering faith lives on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
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