Christina Varner

Christina McCarty Varner, 64, passed away on July 22, 2026, in Pocatello, Idaho.

Christina was born on March 29, 1962, in Pocatello, Idaho, to S. “Bob” and Dayna McCarty.

She was a creative soul, like a hummingbird, never fully able to sit still or in one place for long. She loved being outdoors with her friends and family hunting, fishing, skiing, and hiking. Christina was very close to her father in childhood. One could say she was his “Tom Boy.” Their bond was very special.

Christina was very artistic and exquisite with décor. She was a master gardener, which was apparent in all the beautiful flowers and plants she surrounded herself with.

Christina married Bryce Armstrong and they had three children together. Being a mother brought much hope to Christina’s life. They later divorced. Ed Varner, Christina’s third husband, was also another ray of hope in her life. His sudden passing left a deep hole in Christina’s life that she never really recovered from.

Christina wrestled with mental illness her whole life. There were good moments and there were moment’s that were very difficult. However, Christina was smart and was always learning something new. Many people knew her and loved her. When she wasn't in her episodes, Christina was a deeply loving wise woman who valued her spiritual journey which was very different and was very much a part of her life. It really helped her navigate her life. Her life was really, really, really a tough one.

Christina is preceded in death by her father, Samuel “Bob” McCarty and son Channing Armstrong. She is survived by her parents Dayna and Dave Sanna, children Landon (Callie), and Hailey; grandchildren Lakai, Makani, Kiana, Brynn, and Reyer; sister Debra; stepsisters Dedra and Denise; Aunt Margie; Uncle Richard (Lanice); nieces Jamie and Robyn, and nephew Joseph.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mountain View Cemetery (1520 S 5th Ave, Pocatello ID 83205).

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Bannock County Animal Shelter, where her beloved cats Eva, Lily Petal, and Tigger were brought after Christina’s tragic passing; the Valley Mission Food Pantry, or Cheyenne Hope for Single Mothers (https://www.familypromiseofcheyenne.org/).

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