Christy Lee Wetzel

Christy Lee Wetzel, 66, of Bentonville Arkansas, died Thursday, February 8, 2024 at her residence. She was born on June 23, 1957 to the late Herbert and Edith Brunken in Granite City, Illinois, and grew up in Collinsville, Illinois.

Christy attended Holy Cross Lutheran School, where she was active on the track team, specializing in long jump and hurdles, cheerleading team and the basketball team. After high school Christy went on to work at Eddison Brothers in St. Louis where she met her husband B.J. Wetzel. Christy inherited two wonderful children, Heidi and Scott Wetzel. B.J. and Christy married on August 11, 1979 and went on to have two more children, Sean and Kelly.

The Wetzel’s relocated to Northwest Arkansas in 1990. Christy worked at Harps foods, Dow Brands, Rayovac Batteries inc., but her career started in October of 1997 when she began working for Federal Express. She was honored for her 25 plus years of service to the company before ultimately retiring in August of 2023.

Christy was a simple, humble woman. She enjoyed the little things in life like watching thunderstorms roll in, going to eat Mexican food with a strong margarita, taking naps, and most of all, watching her three Grandsons play sports. Christy was very involved with her children’s sports throughout their lives as well, whether it was keeping the books at baseball games, helping to run swim meets, or making cheerleading uniforms for the entire squad. She also helped to start the very first fast pitch softball league in Bentonville. Christy was very creative and talented. She was known to design and make most of her childrens Halloween costumes throughout their lives (even as adults) and also all three of her daughters' prom dresses.

Christy is survived by her husband, BJ Wetzel; son, Sean Wetzel; daughter, Kelly (John) Howell; step-children, Heidi (Matt) Doyle and Scott (Anna) Wetzel; grandchildren, Gabriel and Owen Wetzel and Junior Howell, Chole (Tara) Premo, Erika (Steven) Efada, Michelle (Simon Levy) Doyle, Alex (Shirley) Doyle, Shea (Jack) Durall, Chadbourne Wetzel ; brother, Mike (Sara) Brunken and sisters Vicki(Steve) Kusmierczak and Shari (Brett) Patchin. In addition, many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and her dog Denver and cat Ginger.

A CELEBRATION of Christy’s life will be held Saturday, March 9th from 4-7pm at:
2345 N. Green Acres Rd. Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703
* Hors d’Oeuvres and Beverages will be provided by Chef: Steven Brooks
* If you wish to send flowers or condolences, please send them to:
- Kelly Howell @ 456 W. Prospect St. Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701