Christine 'Chrissy' Marie Siefke, 37

Chrissy “went to be with her Savior” on June 11, 2018, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after contracting a bacterial infection in her heart.

Chrissy was born on Aug. 4, 1980, at Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul, Illinois. She traveled the world with her parents and settled in Kalispell after graduating from Bigfork High School in 1999. Chrissy was a big advocate for Special Olympics and had competed since she was 8 years old. She was trained as a global messenger for Special Olympics Montana and talked to many groups to raise awareness in her community and the state. She was the Law Enforcement Torch Run ambassador for three years and continued to work with local law enforcement to help promote Special Olympics Montana and her area. Special Olympics Montana selected her as Athlete of Year in 2013. She competed in snow shoeing, basketball, bocce, track and field, and bowling.

Chrissy was a friend to everyone who ever met her. She was quick to smile and had the best hugs that were always available and made everything better. She made the world a brighter and better place everywhere she went.

She is survived by her parents, Kevin and Terri Siefke, of Kalispell; her grandparents, Micki Graham and Gary Ward, of Libby; her uncle, Kerby Cross, and aunt, Cindy Hogan, of Kalispell; and various adopted brothers and sisters.

She was preceded in death by her granny and grandpas.

Chrissy’s family would like to thank the good residents of Kalispell and the Flathead Valley for maintaining an attitude of acceptance and for not tolerating prejudice, hatred and violence; this provided a community where Chrissy and others like her could blossom and grow. She lived a happy, meaningful life with acceptance, not fear and oppression.

Chrissy will be laid to rest in Libby with her granny and grandpa at a later date yet to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Glacier Area Special Olympics Montana at P.O. Box 8631, Kalispell, MT 59904.

A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. on June 16 at Adventure Church, 348 Second Ave W. Kalispell.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.