Christeen B. Verchot was born on April 29, 1952 and passed away on October 20, 2025 at the age of 73. Christeen spent her life dedicated to taking care of others and witnessing for her Lord and savior as a Christian.

Christeen was the daughter of the late Patricia and Edward Verchot of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Christeen was born in 1952 and raised in Pittsfield. Christeen attended Catholic Schools and graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in 1970. She attended Worcester Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing where she earned her RN and entered the United States Air Force in 1974 following her graduation. She served as an OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner for 10 years 6 months, and a Clinical Nurse 9 years 10 months. After retiring on January 1, 1995 from the United States Air Force at the rank of Lt. Colonel, she went on to earn her BSN/MSN from SUNY at Syracuse and a Doctorate in Nursing from SUNY Binghamton. Later, she taught nursing at SUNY IT Utica/Rome.

Christeen served her country in the United States Air Force from 1974 to 1995. She was stationed in Wiesbaden Germany, Fort Walton Beach Florida, Griffis Air Force base in Rome NY, and MacDill Air Force Base Florida. Christeen served in support of Operation Desert Storm/Shield from August 2, 1990 to December 21, 1994. She was a flight nurse from January 31, 1991 to June 22, 1991 while deployed to Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Christeen’s career was dedicated to taking care of our Military Personnel and their families as a Clinical Nurse and OBGYN Nurse Practitioner.

Christeen’s military awards were USAF Commendation Medal with 2 Devices, USAF Outstanding Unit Award with 2 Devices, National Defense Service Medal with Star, USAF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, and USAF Longevity Service Award with 3 Devices. She retired on January 1, 1995 as a Lieutenant Colonel after 21 years of service.

Following her military service, Christeen continued to serve veterans with a relenting passion, as a co-founder of Project Veterans Pride/James Walton Home that served Homeless Male Veterans. She established this home in 2013 with the vision of providing programs and services to assist the veterans in gaining back their pride and dignity, so they could return to society as a self-sufficient and productive member. During the tenure of James Walton Home, she served 974 male veterans with a success rate of 94% in getting them stabilized, with jobs, housing and engagement with VA for benefits, programs and services.

Christeen was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2021 and a member of the AZ Veterans Hall of Fame Society (HOFS). Christeen managed the State Veteran Homes Outreach Program for the HOFS for Phoenix and Yuma State Veteran Homes. Every quarter, she would do an activity with the residents, which included taking them out to lunch at a nice restaurant, playing bingo or having an ice cream social. She filled their hearts with love, laughter, and never ceased to show kindness, respect and an attitude of gratefulness for their service.

She is survived by her children, Kirsten Getchell and her husband Brian Getchell, and Kyle Liang and his wife Rachel Liang, as well as her grandchildren, Connor and Harper, who brought her tremendous pride and joy and her soon-to-arrive granddaughter, Zoey, whose upcoming birth Christeen learned about shortly before her passing. Christeen leaves behind her sister Maureen Nicklaw (and late brother-in-law Dave Nicklaw), brother Skip Verchot (and his wife Susan), brother Buddy Verchot, sister Mary Patricia Van Dyk, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, godchildren and cousins.

Christeen leaves behind her little dog Missy that was a joy for her, a companion, and a true emotional support for Christeen. Missy is a 7 year old Min Pin full of life, love and brilliance. She is now living with her Uncle Ron, who loves her dearly as Missy loves him, a match made in heaven.

Christeen was an active member of St. Theresa Catholic Church, and a supporting member of organizations such as the CASA Veterans Ministry, Veterans First Limited, Honor House, Military Officers Association of America and Military Women Across America. Christeen donated over 16,000 volunteer hours to worthy causes, projects, and events.

As for hobbies, she loved to volunteer by helping veterans and senior citizens as well as read her bible and participate in daily bible study at her church and home. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends, hiking, taking Missy for walks in the park, and making jewelry.

A celebration of life will be held on January 16, 2026 at 8:45 am at St. Theresa Catholic Church located at 5045 E Thomas Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018. Christeen will be laid to rest immediately following the celebration of life at 11am National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd

Phoenix, AZ 85024 with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Christeen Verchot’s name to the Justa Center, a place she loved, respected and visited often. Opened in 2006, Justa Center is the only resource and day center exclusively serving seniors, many who are veterans experiencing homelessness in the Phoenix area. Justa Center provides essential support and services for homeless adults age 55 and over, including benefits assistance, transportation coordination, help finding permanent housing, and more. You can give on line at www.justacenter.org/give  

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