Michele “Rele” Lea Christy, daughter to James “Mike” Christy & Chyrel Brom Christy, was born July 6, 1972 in Victorville, CA on George Air Force Base where her parents and older brother Daniel Christy already resided. Shortly after her father’s service, the family returned to Oskaloosa, IA where Michele spent most of her life. She attended Oskaloosa Schools until her graduation in 1990. Following High School, Michele earned a Micro-Computer Specialist diploma from Indian Hills Community College. She spent a few years working for Vermeer in Pella, IA and liked to joke that she was her father’s boss for a short time there. Michele served her community from 2001-2012 working for Hammer Medical Supply in Oskaloosa and was promoted to Assistant Manager during her tenure there.
Michele moved to Mount Union, IA in 2012. The same year, she was wed to Michael “Mike” Johnson. During this time, she worked for MidWestOne Bank in Iowa City, IA where she loved to have dinners at Short’s with Logan & Stephanie. In 2015, Michele relocated to Burlington, IA following her divorce and worked for Two Rivers Bank & Trust until her declining health forced her to retire in 2022. She then relocated back to Oskaloosa to be close to her family and friends.
Michele birthed one child, a son, Logan Michael Christy, born in 1992. Raising Logan was Michele’s greatest joy and her proudest achievement. She loved him dearly and he always knew how to make her laugh. Michele will live on through him, his wife Stephanie Smith Christy, her grandchildren to come, and her extensive close family and friends. Michele’s puggle Roscoe was a bright light in her life who provided her with endless laughter, love, and comfort.
Michele was raised an Iowa Hawkeye, and was a loyal Kansas City Chiefs fan from their acquisition of Joe Montana on. She loved Karaoke with her friends, was an avid reader, and late in life liked to do puzzles and diamond art to unwind. Michele loved game nights with her family.
As Michele’s health waned and doctors’ appointments and treatments were adding up, her family rose to the occasion and supported her fiercely. She was especially grateful for the help and care from her cousin Kelli Van Egmond, who vowed she’d never go to an appointment alone, her cousin Billie Van Egmond, who helped her on her path toward Christ, and her parents Chyrel and Mike, who have been there for her whenever she needed for her whole life. Michele was impossibly strong through her fight with cancer. She displayed courage and bravery that humbled everyone who loved her.
In Michele’s final days, she was surrounded by friends and family, cared for with infinite love from Logan & Stephanie. She passed away peacefully in her home, asleep with Roscoe on her lap. She was 50 years old and she deserved 50 more.
Graveside services will be held at 1:30p on Friday, December 2, 2022, at Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter. Langkamp Funeral Chapel and Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements.
