Khrysso Heart LeFey (1959-2025)

Artist, writer, and folk musician Khrysso Heart LeFey, 65, of Morongo Valley, California, was tragically and unexpectedly lost on August 8, 2025.

He was born in Canton, Ohio in 1959 to Donald C. and Victoria J. (Marmo) Wagner, and originally named Christopher Robert Wagner. Khrysso grew up in Louisville, Ohio and began a lifelong immersion in music when he was invited at age 9 into the Boys' Choir at St. Louis Church. He graduated from Louisville High School as a winner of a National Merit Scholarship.

Khrysso studied Linguistics at Ohio State University, and it was during college that he was given the nickname "Chris-o," which stuck. After graduating from OSU, he continued in Columbus, teaching English and working as a writer and editor while traversing religious experience and growth, often employing his guitar and musical talent for various churches.

1988 was a big year for Khrysso. He joined a gathering of folk musicians and was forever affected by a love for authentic historic folk, which later launched his career as a folk performer, researcher, and adept in folk music narrative. It was also the year he came out as a gay man, helped found an LGBT congregation, and that led to his appointment of Program Development Director for the educational arm of Stonewall Union, the precursor to today's Stonewall Columbus. He stayed with activist Stonewall for several years until leaving to pursue folk music full time, while also working as Music Director for Unitarian Universalist churches in Dublin, Ohio, and Berkeley, California.

Khrysso subsequently obtained his Masters Degree in Theological Studies at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, CO, and during his time as a student there, legally changed his first name to a spelling variant of the Greek word for "gold," thus officially adopting the name he'd been using since his early 20s, and adopted the middle name of Heart and the last name of LeFey.

He migrated back East, spending time in Columbus and Tennessee, and cultivated his passion for collage and paper sculpture, consequently being invited to become a resident artist at the Studios at l'Auberge in Canton, Ohio. He met another artist in the Arts District in Canton, and after marrying in 2017, the couple relocated to Morongo Valley, California, where they established Shangri-LeFey Studios. Khrysso was a member of the Art Colony of Morongo Valley and the Desert Art Center in Palm Springs. His works have been acclaimed in numerous galleries in Tennessee, Ohio, and throughout Southern California, and have been collected by art lovers across the country. Khrysso continued to also perform and write while living in the desert.

Khrysso's administration through Shangri-LeFey has given support and raised funds for Free Mom Hugs Inc, The Kathleen Howland Theatre, The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery, and numerous individual artists and performers.

Khrysso's unexpected passing comes as a shock to his family, friends, and loved ones, who are still reeling at the loss. He lived a vibrant life and touched so many across the country. He loved nothing more than to introduce people he cared for and watch new friendships arise. He was active as a non-denominational community minister locally and online.

Khrysso was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his devoted husband, Grey Forge LeFey; loving sister Adele (Brad) Seitzinger and brother Daniel (Carolyn) Wagner, another brother; his stepdaughters Bethannie and Caroline Tennant; greatest friends Patti Auber, Sandi Vitek, and Cathy Clarke Sheets; and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews and their children, in a wonderfully diverse extended family that celebrated and loved him.

As Khrysso wished, in lieu of any formal services, memorial parties will be held in both California and Ohio, to be announced at a later date. Donations to Shangri-LeFey Studios may be made to continue his work of artist support and to defray expenses at theartistslefey@gmail.com.

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