Kristy Lynn Anderson

With profound sadness, Kristy’s family conveys that “The Fun One” passed away from natural causes March 25, 2021. Kristy was the third born to Wesley and Elizabeth “Betty” Anderson. Her spiritual youth was developed at Grace Baptist Church where she served in numerous ministry capacities into adulthood. Kristy received her education in Great Falls schools, graduating from CM Russell High School in 1979. She attended college at MSU-Bozeman and MSU-Northern in Havre earning her B.S. in elementary education and early childhood development from MSU Bozeman. Her first job, besides farm chores, was that of a babysitter to many of the neighborhood children. Years later, several would come to visit, some even bringing their spouses to tell Kristy she was their favorite babysitter! She exuded a special magnetism to all the neighbor children. She loved and spoiled them at every opportunity. Kristy’s other employment included the GF Country Club Kitchen (with her Mom), St. Thomas Childcare, Easter Seals, and Quality Life Concepts. Kristy applied her degree in a career with GFPS as a district-wide teacher over 20 years focusing on at-risk students. She was warmly greeted as “Miss A.” She particularly enjoyed several long-term assignments and was both firm and tender-hearted to her students and she was deeply appreciated by her fellow educators. Her legacy is encapsulated in her kindness and dedication to children. Kristy preferred the title “Guest Teacher” over ‘Sub’ and she would say she wasn’t Sub-anything! She excelled at being the primary care giver for her parents during their respective end of life. Kristy was fiercely passionate about life, her love of animals, music, and art. She would boast she was Prince’s #1 MT Fan and dreamt of giving him a tour of Glacier Park. At her 1st grade Christmas break, she changed schools due to a family move from city to country. During their first year at the family farm, she and her sister, Cynthia (Anderson) Hansen, named all the sheep, lambs, cows, calves, and chickens too. She was active in the High Hopes 4-H Club and had many prize-winning entries in the GF State Fair. Her brother, Mike Anderson, came to GF for many springs with his Bozeman Hawk Tennis Teams and often in August for State Coach Clinics. Kristy was always there to cheer him on! Some seasons, Mike’s grandchildren were also on the team and they received extra love from their great-aunt. Kristy had an amazing and generous spirit and many honorary children. She especially enjoyed spoiling her extended family’s children earning her the title, “Gift Queen.” In 2nd grade, she made a life-long sister-friend, Mari Lu (Bob) Waugaman, Casper, WY. Special lifelong friends include Kay Stefanoff, Kalispell, MT, Anne Wiebe, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and Debbie Henniger, WA. Kristy was very tactile in her learning and communicated with her personal touch. She was a true friend and touched the lives of many! Kristy was preceded in death by her parents, Wesley and Elizabeth Anderson, of Great Falls, MT; great-great nephew, “Angel” Tosic; and numerous critters. She is survived by brother, Michael (Ellen) Anderson, Bozeman, MT; sister, Cynthia (Ron) Hansen, Anaconda, MT; niece, Tami (Nick) White, Bozeman, MT; nephew, Tim (Leesa) Anderson, Bozeman, MT; and great nieces and nephews, Andy White, Katie (Tommy) Tosic, Patrick White, Cooper Anderson, Anelise Anderson; several relatives including aunts, Ardis (Lou) Lomheim, FL and Donna Jean Fuller, ND; and many cousins. Memorials are requested to the GF “Farm in the Dell”, an alternative to a town-based group home that provides residential and vocational opportunities in a rural, farm-like setting for adults with developmental disabilities (P.O. box 1273, Great Falls, MT 59403). A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at the Manchester Fire Hall with a luncheon afterward.