Christina Anaya Gayton

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Covenant HealthCare - Cooper. She was 64 years old. Christina Anaya was born on April 29, 1954 to Marcos R. and Manuela (Godina) Anaya. She was a proud 1972 graduate of St. Stephens High School. Upon graduation, she attended Michigan State University where she met the love of her life, Librado "Larry" Gayton. They were united in marriage on August 21, 1975 in Saginaw; he survives her. Christina graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Education from Indiana University South Bend. She later received her Masters in Education from Wayne State University. Christina taught in many cities throughout Michigan including: Detroit where she worked two years teaching inner city youth; Grand Rapids where she taught elementary School; and later for SS. Peter and Paul Catholic School for over 10 years as an elementary school teacher. Christina was currently working for St. Joseph Catholic Church, within the Diocese of Saginaw, as a Pastoral Minister for 23 years. She was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church since birth. Christina was actively involved in all aspects of the parish. She loved working with the youth and teaching people of all ages how to have a relationship with God. Christina enjoyed cooking, art and reading. She loved scarves and collected many varieties and vibrant colors. Christina enjoyed traveling across the United States, Toronto, Europe, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Guatemala. She was passionate about her missionary work. Above all, Christina loved and cherished her time spent with family. She will forever be remembered for her unconditional love, her ability to be caring and understanding, and for her selfless and altruistic heart. She truly had a servants heart. Surviving are her husband of 43 years, Librado "Larry" Gayton of Saginaw; a daughter and two sons, Mirasol "Soli" Gayton of Saginaw, Librado "Lalo" (Leah) Gayton of Saginaw and Santiago Gayton of Grand Rapids; four grandchildren, Elena Medina and Michaela Roberson of Saginaw and Librado Isaiah and Noah Gayton of Saginaw; her mother, Manuela Anaya of Saginaw; a sister-in-law, Dawn Anaya of Bay City; two brothers, Daniel (Sue) Anaya of Gaylord and Timothy (Racheal) Anaya of Saginaw; Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, Godchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, aunts, uncles and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Marcos Anaya; and a brother, Marcos Anaya, Jr. A funeral liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N. Sixth Street. Rev. Fr. Francis Voris, OFM Cap will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening. Christina will lie in state at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603