Christine S. Michaels

Christine Sue Walklett Michaels, lovingly known as "Chris," formerly of Pulaski, New York, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at age 77, in Banning, California.

Born on Palm Sunday, March 21, 1948, in Watertown, New York, Christine was the youngest child of Robert Edward Walklett and Eleanor Josephine Halsey. Chris enjoyed an idyllic childhood with her brother and sister in the close-knit village of Pulaski. She treasured the nostalgia of her hometown and stayed deeply connected to extended family and lifelong friends through frequent phone calls, letters, and visits. After retirement, she maintained a second home near Sandy Pond and volunteered at the Half-Shire Historical Society.

Upon graduating from Pulaski Academy in 1966, Chris pursued new opportunities that reflected her independent spirit. In 1968, she joined the United States Air Force, where she served as a medical technician at Lackland Air Force Base Hospital in Texas. It was there that she met her future husband, William Michaels. They were married on June 6, 1969, beginning a steadfast partnership that spanned decades.

Chris and Bill built their life together in California, where they welcomed their three children and worked as a husband-and-wife team for the Miracle Maid cookware company. Those years were marked by love, resilience, and dedication to family. Their work took them across the country, leading to several moves before they settled back in California. Chris got a job at Harris' Department Store in Redlands and later had a long administrative career at Loma Linda University Medical Center-first with the Patient Business Office, then with Home Care and Family Care. Through it all, Chris balanced work and family life with grace, always placing her loved ones at the center of everything she did.

Chris was a devoted wife to Bill; a loving mother to her children and their spouses: Jeff (Margaret), Tammy (Ron), and Laurie (Scott); and a proud grandmother to her seven grandchildren: Ashley, Alexandra, Lianna, Thomas, Ellie, William, and Aynalise. Being "Mom" and "Grandma" was her greatest joy, and family gatherings-especially holidays-were among her most cherished moments.

Chris was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, affectionately doting on her parents, in-laws, siblings, nieces, nephews, and everyone she held dear.

Chris was preceded in death by her beloved granddaughter Ashley; brother, Bob; sister, Ann; niece Marie; and nephew Sean.

Throughout her life, Chris touched countless people with her kindness, sincerity, gentle spirit, and tender heart. Her steady presence brought comfort and reassurance, and her genuine, caring nature left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Chris will live on in the memories, traditions, and quiet acts of love she leaves behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held in California at 3pm on Saturday, February 28, at Sun Lakes South Clubhouse, 5925 Myrtle Beach Drive (northwest corner of Birdie Drive), Banning.

In the spring, a Graveside Service will take place in New York at 11am on Friday, May 22, at South Richland Cemetery, County Route 41, Fernwood; reception immediately following at Sand Bar Restaurant, 8431 State Route 3, Pulaski. New York. Services in care of Foster-Hax Funeral Home, 52 Park Street, Pulaski, NY 13142.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Christine's memory to the Half-Shire Historical Society, PO Box 73, Richland, NY 13144.