Christine B. Truitt, age 71, of Escanaba, passed away Wednesday morning, March 31, 2021, at Helping Hands Adult Foster Care Facility in Soo Hill just as the sun’s rays lit the morning sky. Our mother, ma, mamacita and Queen Chrissy lived 68 of her 71 years in Escanaba. She graduated from Escanaba High School in 1968 and attended Bay College, earning an Associate Degree. She was an accomplished artist, earning many awards throughout her life for her talents. She was creative, funny, boisterous, beautiful, loving, stubborn and quick witted. She spoke her mind often but never made an enemy. She has legions of people that have humorous stories of her shenanigans and exploits. Sometimes, we witnessed them and sometimes, she would invite us along for her fun. Her favorite labor of love was her flower and vegetable gardens. For many years, she could be found in her cutoff jeans and “Top Gun” sunglasses puttering in her gardens. She never failed to share her bounty of dried flowers and canned goods with those she loved. She wore many hats throughout her life and if she didn’t like the hat she was wearing, she would put her artistic talents to use and pretty it up. She loved to tell stories about her work life. Some of her favorites were from her days at the House of Ludington, Shopko, Fashion Bug and Andex Printing. To her daughters’ ever loving embarrassment, she loved to dress them alike. She made the most beautiful dresses for them to wear. Her greatest accomplishment as a seamstress was crafting a custom wedding dress for eldest daughter. She once said every drop of blood from the pins in the dress were drops of love and there was a lot of love in that dress. When her three daughters were young and growing, she was everyone’s ma. Friends would come and go from the house whether “the girls” were home or not. It was not unusual for her to be sitting at the table feeding one of the friends who came to see her and not them. She welcomed everyone. Luke 12:34 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” and her family was her treasure. Her loving heart will live on in our hearts and we will carry her with us always.
Survivors include:
Daughters: Sandi (Ron) Young, Anne (Dan Roberts) Truitt and Ginny Truitt
Brother: John Bichler
Sisters: Sherry (Rick) Henderson, Kim (Cliff) Arntzen, Laurie (John) Gallagher
and Dianne (Ken) Pekarak
Grandchildren: Ashleigh Young, Austin (Samantha) Young, Aaron Young,
Alyssa (Ethan) Schnell, Aiden Truitt and Ty Shankle
Great Grandchildren: Owen, Calvin and Cecilia Young
Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, Donald and Darlene, Chris was preceded in death by:
Brother: Donn “Butch” Bichler
Grandmother: Anna Bichler
Granddaughter: Breanna Truitt
Graveside services for Chris will be held at the convenience of her family. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes are assisting with arrangements. Chris’ family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to the staff at Helping Hands Adult Foster Care and UPHS Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion extended to their loving mother.
Dan and Kathy Creten - Green Valley, AZ
We are so very sorry to learn of Chris’s death. Having the Bichler family as neighbors and friends was very special to us. We hold Chris’s memory in our heart. Peace
Terry D Williams - Green Bay, Wi
Chris was one of my favorite people growing up. She lives just up the street from me and we used to walk home from school together. I had such a crush on her! She was sweet and special and someone I will always remember with a smile God bless you Chrissy
Diane S Olsen - EUSTIS, FL
How sad to hear that Chris is gone. I went through high school with her and counted her as one of my friends. We all had a great time and I best remember the fun we had at graduation. I remember her always laughing and enjoying life.
My best wished to the family. My thoughts are with you.
Sue Polowski Miller - Escanaba, MI
My condolences to the family
Chris McNair - Gladstone , Mi
So sorry to hear about Chris. She was a good person, & fun to work with, she always had interesting things & stories to tell. I missed her when she left Andex. She was a funny person & I EnjJoyed working with her. My thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Gary&Becky Lehman - Escanaba, Mi
To Christine’s entire family, we send our sincere condolences! R.I.P. Christine
Nickie Marenger - Escanaba , Mi
We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss seeing her daily. Picking me a flower from her flower bed, talking to the dogs and most of all her load hello when she would see us in the yard. She seriously had the best sense of humor ever! Big love and prayers for your whole family.
Lynn - Mequon, Wi
Peace to Chris and to all of her family and friends ❤️ I remember Chris and all the other Bichler cousins growing up in Escanaba – I’m sure all of you have lots of happy memories of Chris!
Lynn Bichler - Mequon, Wi
Peace to Chris and to all of her family and friends ❤️ I remember Chris and all the other Bichler cousins growing up in Escanaba – I’m sure all of you have lots of happy memories of Chris!
Dawn Schmidt - Rapid River, MI
It’s with a sad heart that I send condolences! Kris was a good friend and a special person. I sure enjoyed our neighborhood visits. Also our high school years at Esky! Peace be with you my friend. You will never be forgotten. Prayers and love to the family during this difficult time.