Christine Lynn Maristuen

Christine Lynn Maristuen, 61, passed away on Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, at Benefis East in Great Falls, Mont., of natural causes. 

Funeral services will be 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at First Lutheran Church, with Pastor Michael O'Hearn officiating. 

The family has requested that memorials be made in Christine's name to Montana Special Olympics, First Lutheran Church or the Gift of Life Foundation at Benefis Hospital.  Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements and condolences and memories can be made at http://www.hollandbonine.com.       

Chris was born on Nov. 19, 1952, in Havre, Mont., to John and Doris (Bauman) Barrow.  She was raised in Chinook, Mont., and graduated from Chinook High School.  She attended the University of Montana in Missoula, receiving a bachelor's degree in education with an emphasis in special education.  On Sept. 14, 1974, she married Keith Maristuen in Chinook.  She taught in Hamilton for three years while Keith attended law school.  In 1978 the couple relocated to Havre, and Chris began teaching for the Havre school district. She taught in special education for 33 years and then worked for more than five years in the lunch program at various Havre schools. Over the years, Chris was involved with GESA, and received the Havre Teacher of the Year Award. 

Chris was outgoing, very social, compassionate and very patient, loyal and faithful.  She was beloved by her students' parents.  She was a member of Kiwanis and the First Lutheran Church.  Chris was an avid Griz fan and enjoyed tailgating at the games.  She loved traveling, cooking, swimming, and spending time at the cabin at Fresno Lake.  She liked playing the piano, reading, especially Stephen King; and watching the "Price Is Right" and "Castle" on TV.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her uncles, George Barrow and Doug Bauman.

Chris is survived by her loving husband of 39 years, Keith Maristuen of Havre; her daughter, Thea Lynn (Adam) Borg of Post Falls, Idaho; and her son, Seth Barrow Maristuen (Allison Hollinger) of Seattle, Wash.