Christine Macklin Sanchez

Christine J. Macklin Sanchez, 60, of Great Falls, passed away May 11, 2017 at Benefis hospital from complications of cancer of the brain. She was surrounded by her family.A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 15, 2017 at Highland Cemetery with a wake to follow at the Side Track Lounge, 3653 9th Ave N.Christine was born December 4, 1956 in Great Falls to James E. and Marilyn Macklin. She married Kenneth Oeleis in 1976 and had two children, a daughter Lisa (Oeleis) Marko and a son Jeremy Oeleis. She then married Adam Sanchez in 1988.Christine worked in the meat department of Albertsons grocery store from July 1978 until September 2005, when at 50, she decided to change her career to become a nurse. She excelled in her studies, was on the Dean's list and graduated with honors. She was even voted the most successful student by her peers.After graduation she was employed at Benefis Hospital, where she specialized in oncology. She loved her patients and cherished her coworkers.In her spare time she was an avid horse breeder and trainer. She loved to show her ponies and miniature horses at the state fair and she shared this love with friends and family for nearly thirty years.Christine will surely be missed by all who knew and loved her.She is survived by her father, James E Macklin formerly of Great Falls; her sisters, Laurie Macklin of Great Falls and Gail Macklin of Helena; her brother, James M. Macklin of Great Falls; her children, Lisa (Oeleis) Marko and Jeremy Oeleis both of Great Falls; her eight grandchildren Austin Macklin, Tayler Macklin, Patrick Marko, Elizabeth Marko, Zachary Marko, Aryonna Holbrook, Rylee Oeleis, and Carsyn Oeleis; and one great-granddaughter Eleanor Mae Macklin.She was preceded in death by her mother, Marilyn Macklin.