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70 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | MARCH 2026 | Christine Sue Walklett Michaels March 21, 1948 – January 19, 2026 . 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. 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. 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 genuine, caring nature. Her legacy will live on in the memories, traditions, and quiet acts of love she leaves behind. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Christine's memory to the Half-Shire Historical Society, PO Box 73, Richland, NY 13144.