Christina Marie Needles

Christina Marie Needles, 42 of Melbourne, passed away unexpectedly on August 14th, 2026, as a result of an automobile accident. She is survived by her devoted fiancé Jason Russell, parents Michele (Neil Mitchell) Needles and Patrick Needles, sister Caitlynn Taylor, nephew Eli Taylor, along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Christina was a 2002 graduate of Fort Hayes High School and received her Bachelors Degree in Design and Professional Project Management. Christina was employed with Blue Origin, where she worked as a Senior Technical Project Manager, steering avionics integration and supporting the first successful launch and flight of the New Glenn Rocket.

In her personal life, Christina was a frequently requested guest speaker, where she enjoyed encouraging and guiding young women in STEM. Christina was a competitive dancer, an artist, a fashion-aficionado, an airplane pilot and a true polymath. Gifted with quick wit, relentless curiosity, and the most infectious smile and laugh that will continue to live on through those who knew and loved her.