Christine Ann Eckert

Christine Ann Eckert, age 76, of Grand Haven, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital. She was born on October 5, 1949, in St. Joseph, Michigan, to George and Mary (Petersen) Dey. On May 16, 1970, she married the love of her life, Stephen Eckert, in St. Joseph. Together they built a beautiful life, full of FAMILY, LAUGHTER, and FAITH.

Christine graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1967 and earned her degree in Home Economics and Nutrition from Western Michigan University. For over 30 years, she shared her passion for health and wellness as a YMCA fitness instructor, personal trainer, and certified nutrition specialist, where she touched countless lives and helped form a strong, supportive community. In 2010, she founded an Outdoor Cross-Terraining group (ODXT) that continues today, as lasting reflection of her energy and love for staying active outdoors. Like her mother Mary, Christine started every day with her daily devotional and prayer, and she was a grateful attendee of Watermark Church. Always an encourager, she loved helping others feel their best— mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Christine's greatest joy was her family. She poured her heart into raising her three boys, never afraid to roll up her sleeves—whether it was cutting hair, designing and making clothes, or cheering them on in everything they did. She built a joy for cooking with Steve and her sons. She had an incredible eye for decorating and a deep love for biking, boating, and travelling. For more than 25 years, she looked forward to her summers boating up north from port to port, to Beaver Island and back, as well as winters spent on Anna Maria Island, FL, and Hilton Head Island, SC, places that became filled with cherished memories of time spent with family and friends.

Christine will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her husband of 55 years, Steve; her sons: Ryan (Sara), Kristopher (Tanah), and Elliott (Justin); and her beloved grandchildren: Keegan, Stella, Emorie, Carter, Reese, Mayla, Stephen, Porter, and Jacob. She is also survived by her sisters: Carolyn (Jerry) Frank, Cathey Pastrick, and Cindy (Kevin) Doroh; sister-in-law, Kay Semans; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Mary Dey; and her brother-in-law, Frank Pastrick.

A Funeral Service celebrating Christine's life will take place at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Watermark Church in Grand Haven, with Pastor Steve Deur officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church.

Interment will follow at Grand Haven Township Historic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages Memorial Contributions be made in Christine's honor by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/f/Christinesmemorialfund to support the Tri-Cities Family YMCA Kid's Camps - continuing her lifelong commitment to health, family, and community.

"The family that plays together stays together"
- Christine Ann Eckert

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