Christine "Chrissy" (Droski) Schultz

Christine "Chrissy" (Droski) Schultz, a woman of radiant energy and boundless love, lived a life that was as vibrant and full as the sunshine and flowers she adored. She was a beacon of support and companionship, a woman who effortlessly bridged distances and hearts with her warmth and generosity. Chrissy, with her infectious laughter and compassionate spirit, was a steadfast presence in the lives of those she cherished.

Born on March 29, 1988, in the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Christine Marie Droski entered a world that was on the brink of significant transformation. The year she was born, the Soviet Union began to loosen its grip on Eastern Europe, signaling the end of the Cold War. As the world embraced a new era of peace, Chrissy's parents, Joseph, a postal worker, and Karen, an employee of the Social Security office, welcomed their bundle of joy into their loving home. Chrissy grew up alongside her sister Jeannine in the heart of Grand Rapids on the city's NW side, a community that nurtured her love for family, friends, and the outdoors.

The years of Chrissy's childhood were filled with the simple joys of life. She attended Shawmut Hills Elementary, Westwood Middle School and Union High School where she was a cheerleader. Family camping trips at PJ Hoffmaster, trips to California to see family and a vacation in Costa Rica were all treasured times in her childhood. Closer to home, Chrissy spent many happy hours swimming, spending time with family and friends and playing with her beloved cats and dogs. Chrissy was an active member of her community, whether she was delivering newspapers on her paper route, serving customers at Arby's, or participating in the Holy Spirit Parish. These experiences shaped her into a woman of resilience and independence, traits that would serve her well in the years to come.

As Chrissy transitioned into adulthood, she continued to embrace the world with open arms. She found love with Joshua Schultz, a relationship that began online in 2006 while he was attending Central Michigan University and she was delivering newspapers for the Grand Rapids Press in her VW Bug. Their relationship blossomed over the years and Chrissy and Josh were happily united in marriage on May 22, 2010, at the Holy Spirit Parish. From their honeymoon in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, to their adventures in Grand Rapids, Denver, Nashville, and Phoenix, Chrissy and Joshua were inseparable. They shared a love of travel, making treasured memories on trips to Las Vegas, the Bahamas, Rocky Mountains, and even a trip to California for The Price is Right!

Despite not having children, Chrissy's nurturing nature found an outlet in her beloved black lab, Maize, who was born on December 2, 2012. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as cooking spaghetti, lasagna, and chili, grilling burgers or steaks on Sundays, and savoring a wet burrito from Beltline Bar when visiting Grand Rapids. Chrissy's love for music was apparent in her fondness for country music and artists like Thomas Rhett, Old Dominion, Luke Combs, Kane Brown, Elton John, and Tom Petty. She was the person you called when you needed a friend, a woman who would go out of her way to lend a helping hand. Despite the miles that separated her from her roots, Chrissy made a concerted effort to stay connected with her family and friends, her love and loyalty transcending geographical boundaries.

On November 29, 2023, Chrissy's radiant life was tragically cut short. She left a world that was undeniably brighter for her presence, her spirit echoing in the hearts of those she left behind. As we remember Chrissy, let us not forget her zest for life, her love for her family, friends, and her lab, Maize. Let us remember her as the woman who brought people together, who was supportive, and who was always there to lend a helping hand. Every time we hear a country song on the radio, see a Michigan or Detroit Lions football game, or enjoy a plate of spaghetti or lasagna, let it remind us of Chrissy, a woman whose love and spirit continue to live on in our hearts.

SCHULTZ (Droski) Christine “Chrissy” Marie age 35, of Surprise, Arizona, formerly of Grand Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on November 29, 2023. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, William Cleveland, Thomas (Dorothy) Droski, Frank (Elaine) Schultz and Elmer (Lillian) Kubacki. Chrissy is survived by her husband, Joshua; her beloved lab, Maize; parents, Joseph (Karen) Droski; In-laws, Mark (Carolyn) Schultz; sister, Jeannine (Ryan) Deur; sisters-in-law, Jennifer (Robert) Niec, Crystal (Nicholas) Walther and Kimberly (David) Roland; brother-in-law, Brandon (Kylee) Schultz; nieces and nephews, Tyler, Carson, Blake, Cole, Tucker, Eli, Peyton, Miller, Lincoln and Duke; grandmother, Bonnie Cleveland. The funeral service will be held at 12 PM on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel 1833 Plainfield, N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49505. The family will receive visitors from 4-7 PM on Friday 12/8/23 and 11AM until the start of service at 12PM on Saturday 12/9/23 at the funeral home. Interment will be following the funeral home service on Saturday at Holy Cross Cemetery at 2000 Walker Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Contributions in her memory may be made to the charity of your choice in Chrissy's name or forwarded to Joshua Schultz in which he will later disburse to Chrissy's chosen charities. For those who are not able to be present at the visitation or funeral there will be a link for donations on the Heritage Life Story Home Page. The funeral service will be recorded and available later for viewing. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to read her life story, submit a favorite memory, photo, or to sign the guestbook.