Kristen Anderson Ledyard, 46

Kristen Ledyard, 46, of Whitefish, passed away on Jan. 10, 2019.

Kristen was a native of Columbia Falls, attending Columbia Falls High School, graduating valedictorian, and subsequently attending Montana State University. Following school, Kristen followed her love of horses and began her professional career as a show rider and trainer, eventually competing at the highest level of International Grand Prix Show Jumping and giving a start to numerous equine professionals.

Following a career-ending injury, Kristen changed gears and formed John’s Angels Catering, LLC, where she served as executive chef and owner.

At the time of her death she was in the process of creating Battlefields to Business, a nonprofit organization aimed at bringing veterans into the workplace through apprenticeship programs.

In addition, she was crowned Little Miss Montana, Miss Montana Teen USA, Miss Montana USA, and Mrs. Montana.

Kristen is survived by her husband of 18 years, John; stepchildren, Nathan (Kathy) of San Diego, Jamie (Kayla) of Atlanta, and Lucy of Burlington, Vermont; three grandchildren; her parents, Margaret “Peggy” Wood of Columbia Falls, and David Anderson of Lakeside; and sister, Mandi Anderson of Kalispell.

A celebration of Kristen’s life will be held this coming April in Whitefish.

Memorial donations in memory of Kristen can be made to a veterans group of your choice.

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.