Obituary of Christine Margaret Grabitz

Christine Margaret Burkey was born on November 28, 1956 in Monroe, Michigan. She was one of nine children born to George and Sarah (Younglove) Burkey. A lifelong resident of Monroe, Chris attended Monroe High School. On March 7, 1974 she wed Timothy Allen Grabitz. The couple enjoyed nearly fifty years of marriage. For many years they traveled to Northern Michigan nearly every weekend to visit her parents where they enjoyed camping and fishing.

Chris loved a good bargain and never drove past a yard sale or flea market.   Although, she didn’t necessarily need anything, Chris simply enjoyed the thrill of adding to her collections of various items, especially dolls.   Whenever Tim splurged on himself, she’d jokingly comment that he was “taking her shopping money”.  A country girl at heart, Chris loved being outside with her hands in the dirt. Her garden was lush with flowers every season, including her favorite variety: Bleeding Hearts.  Chris had a fondness for the birch tree in her yard and took over her husband’s vegetable patch to build a magnificent rock garden. She also enjoyed scary books and movies, especially “The Vampire Diaries” and the classic television show “Dark Shadows”.

An animal lover, Chris had many pet cats and dogs over the years. She fed a troop of racoons and even “adopted” a wild turkey whom she named “Nibblets” which chased the family throughout their yard. Chris adored her three canine companions, Chiweenie dogs: “Thunder”, “Stormy”, and “Twilight”. She also had deep affection for her many birds, especially her Cockatiels. Although Chris could be bull-headed at times, she had a huge heart. A private person who kept a close circle, Christine loved her family more than anything else.

Christine Margaret Grabitz, age 66, of Monroe, Michigan passed away at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital on Tuesday; January 3, 2023. Her passing was preceded by her parents; a sister: Bonny Hochiet; and a niece: Roxanne Underwood.

To cherish her memory, she leaves her loving husband: Tim Grabitz; three sisters: Lucille (Larry) Wright of Florida, Diane (Joe) Haskins of New Boston, Michigan, and Lisa Burkey (Larry) of Newport, Michigan; four brothers: Rick Burkey of Wellston, Michigan, George (Kim) Burkey of Monroe, Larry (Susan) Burkey of LaSalle, Michigan, and Mark (Shelly) Burkey of Taylor, Michigan; a brother in-law: Wayne Hochiet; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may gather on Sunday; January 8, 2023, from 2:00pm until 7:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Christine’s Life will be held on Monday; January 9, 2023, at 11:00am also at Merkle’s followed by a procession to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan for burial.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.