Christine Lou Blackledge

Christine Lou Blackledge, age 71, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on May 15th, 2024, at her home in Lansing, Michigan. She graduated from Marion High School and went on to further her education by earning two Associate degrees from Northwestern Michigan College and a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in International Business from Central Michigan University.  Christine was an avid learner and later furthered her education by earning two Master's degrees in Public Health and Food Safety and certificates in International Food Law and Regulations from Michigan State University. Christine was a longtime Traverse City, Michigan resident before moving to Lansing, Michigan eight years ago. For several years, she lit up Michigan during the holidays with her city decorations business, Michigan Decorations. She loved to travel the world, as she also worked on USAID projects for over a decade, traveling to over thirteen different countries in Africa, as well as the Middle East, Latin, and South America. There, she shared her passion for helping women start their own businesses, along with sharing her expertise in agriculture and food safety. She loved teaching others the art of homesteading and enjoyed her time in the garden with her bees and chickens. She enjoyed reading, sailing, immersing herself in other cultures, and bringing treasures home to her family from other countries. Christine will be dearly missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.

Preceded in death by her father Frederick Blackledge. She is survived by her mother Louetta Blackledge; brother, Clark Blackledge; sister, Cindy Blair; sister, Carla Mellema; son, Troy (Kris) Stroud; son, Ty (Tammy) Stroud; son, Aaron Stroud; daughter, Alana Stroud (Ingo) Duarte; son, Issac (Hilary) Stroud; and daughter, Jessica Stroud (Gregory) Thon; grandchildren, Olivier, Leopold, Taylor, Joslin, Tanner, Cameron, Kendal, Emersyn, Walt and Armand Rio; great-grandchild, Wyler.

Christine requested a celebration of life be held in her honor as opposed to traditional funeral services. We request all her loved ones to join us in celebrating her beautiful life and legacy anytime between 4-7pm on May 28th, 2024, at The Cosmos Old Town, 1200 N. Larch St., Lansing, Michigan. Please enjoy colorful attire and wear your eccentric hat of choice. 

If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to the Women’s Resource Center or Father Fred Foundation in Traverse City, Michigan.

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