Robert Christie

Robert Lee Christie, age 87, of Portage, MI passed away on May 12, 2025 at home surrounded by his family. He was born on August 11, 1937 in New Troy, MI to the late Edward and Myrtle (Roberts) Christie. He met the love of his life, Jean, while attending Western Michigan University. They married on April 21, 1962 in Kalamazoo, MI. Together Robert and Jean raised 5 daughters. Robert was well known in the community, having been a beloved, well-respected public school teacher for 34 years. He taught at Vicksburg Public Schools, Hopkins Public Schools and Bloomingdale Public Schools. Robert enjoyed card games, reading, tennis, and walking. He particularly enjoyed travelling, going south to Florida and even travelling internationally to England and Scotland. Robert is survived by his wife, Jean (Knight) Christie; five daughters: Kimberly Youdell, Amy (Zach) Rathbun, Karen Christie(Jason Jencks), Emily Christie and Andrea (Brendan) Trantham; seven grandchildren: Eric (Ashley) Haithcox, Kristina (Michael) Graham, Bethany (Brian) Donohue, Kepler Helmuth, Kaitlyn Worline (Emily Korchnak) Elaina Trantham, and Jack Trantham; three great grandsons, Samuel, Israel and Gabriel Graham; three sisters: Dora Hubbard, Beth (David) Antosz and Carol Henning. He was preceded in death by a beloved great granddaughter, Marie Haithcox, his parents and brothers in law, Miles Henning and Thomas Hubbard. Friends and family will gather at Chapel Hill Church, 7028 Oakland Dr. in Portage on Saturday, May 17 at 10:00 am for visitation and 11:00 am for the service. Luncheon will be served following. To honor Bob, donations can be made to Chapel Hill Methodist Church or to Centrica Care Navigators who gave him outstanding service during his illness. Please share memories of Robert with his family at www.langelands.com