Christine Louise Hernandez, 75, of Ventura, California, began a new journey with God on December 9, 2025. Christine, known by family and friends as “Chris” or “Christy”, was born on June 13, 1950, in Waterloo, Iowa. Chris was the beloved daughter of Glenn Thomas Ford and Marjorie Elaine Crouch. Her family later moved to Palmdale, California, where she spent her formative years.
Chris graduated from Palmdale High School in 1968. She married her high school sweetheart, Richmond DeWayne Ard, on Valentine’s Day the year after they graduated together. They soon welcomed two children: a son, Richard Dale Ard, and a daughter, Lisa Marie Ard. Throughout her life, Chris held a variety of jobs, including as a telephone operator, a waitress, and a housekeeper–each role reflecting her strong work ethic and dedication.
In the 1980’s, Chris began a new chapter of her life with her second love, Thomas Joseph Hernandez, settling in South Lake Tahoe, California. They lived there together in the house that Tom built for them from the 1980’s until 2005. Together, Chris and Tom built a successful family crafting business, Christalisa Creations, which they operated for over a decade. They sold their handmade arts and crafts at county and state fairs throughout Oregon, California, Washington, and Arizona. In addition to crafting for business, Chris crafted for pleasure alongside her daughter Lisa and granddaughter Alicia, finding joy in creating meaningful pieces that brought happiness and “Heartsmiles” to others.
Chris and Tom eventually moved away from the Tahoe area, spending time in Oregon and Arizona before eventually settling down in Ventura, California, with family. They shared a deep passion for travel, often camping along the Western coastline or taking cruises to explore other parts of the world. Of all the places Chris visited, Paris held her heart, with the Eiffel Tower being her most cherished and inspiring destination.
Chris had a lifelong love of learning and stayed engaged with the world by keeping up with current events, enjoying thoughtful conversations, and playing games on her phone and laptop to keep her mind sharp. She found peace and beauty in sunsets at the beach and rainbows after rain showers, and she treasured these quiet moments deeply.
While living in Ventura, Chris faced significant health challenges with remarkable strength and grace, powering through over 20 different surgeries and procedures. Through it all, she smiled and remained grateful. Each year, she and her daughter lovingly made homemade Christmas ornaments and gifted them to her doctors and medical office staff as a heartfelt expression of thanks. Chris wished to extend her deep gratitude to all her doctors, nurses, therapists, hospital caretakers, home-based caretakers, family, friends, neighbors, and everyone else who supported her throughout her life.
Above all else, Chris was devoted to her family, friends, and community. She possessed an extraordinary ability to put others first, always attuned to the needs of those around her. Chris was known for her kindness, her compassion, and for spreading what she lovingly called “Heartsmiles”–a trait that defined her spirit and legacy.
Chris is survived by her children Richard (Tracy) and Lisa (Jose); her stepdaughters Sharon (Tim), Suzie, and Colette (Terry); her grandchildren Alicia (Cameron), Alexander, Annalise (Jonathan), and Rachelle (Micah); her sisters Darcie (Dan), Glenda, and Michelle; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended family members, and cherished friends.
Chris was preceded in death by her first husband, Richmond DeWayne Ard; her second husband, Thomas Joseph Hernandez; her parents, Glenn T. Ford and Marjorie Elaine Crouch; her stepdaughter Debbie; and a baby brother who died at birth.
Chris left us a glimpse of her heart and attitude with this poem she wrote, found in her belongings after her passing:
Be anxious for nothing and grateful for all things
Be a leader
But... be a leader others want to follow
Be kind
It doesn't cost a thing
And it may bring happiness to some
And... you
Be kind in thought
Be kind in word
Be kind in deed
A heart that holds anger leaves less room
For kindness and forgiveness
Find reasons to make your Heartsmile each day
And remember...
Heartsmiles are contagious
Spread to all generously!!!
Chris’s legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be remembered with gratitude, affection, and countless “Heartsmiles”.
Memorial service details will be shared privately with family and friends. Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.