Christine A Stephens

Christine Ann Stephens, age 80, was peacefully called home to her eternal rest on January 29, 2026, surrounded by her children and partner, Philip. Christine was born February 3, 1945, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, daughter of Chester and Dorothy (Matthies) Marusek, loving mother of Greg Stephens (who affectionately nicknamed her “Chit”), Gary Stephens, Matt Stephens, Laurie Richardson, cherished grandmother to 16 grandchildren, and great-grandmother to 7 great-grandchildren. Christine lived a life of beauty, creativity, and joy. Her artistic spirit was a gift from God, freely given to others. She often said, “Flowers are the stars of the Earth.” As the owner of Christine’s Flowers in Vicksburg and later Prairie Ronde Flowers in Schoolcraft, her arrangements touched countless lives, offering comfort, peace, and happiness to numerous families. As an artist, she found joy alongside her partner of twenty-five years, Philip Basley, enjoying painting, sculpting, gardening, and growing bonsai trees. She embraced a love for the outdoors through meaningful adventures with loved ones. Whether Christine was hiking through the forest of Michigan with her children and grandchildren; camping in the heart of winter; hiking the mountains of Colorado; or combing the beaches of the Chesapeake Bay and Lake Michigan searching for sea glass and rocks; Christine formed treasured memories. Christine was preceded in death by Matthew Stephens Sr., her parents Chester and Dorothy Marusek. Christine is survived by her sister Susan Rodehaver, her partner Philip Balsley, her children Greg, Gary, Matt, and Laurie, her sixteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 pm on Monday February 2, 2026 at Schoolcraft Township Cemetery (corner of US 131 and W. Lyons St, Schoolcraft, Michigan). A celebration of life will follow at Jac’s Cekola’s Pizza, 7638 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Christine Stephens Memorial via cash, check or Venmo (@matthew-Stephens-309).