Christopher Spencer Emmons, 45, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, on Sunday, September 12, 2021. Chris died of cancer, which he courageously battled for over three years.
Chris was born on Thanksgiving weekend, November 26, 1975, to Harry and Cheryl Emmons. He graduated from Helena High School in 1994, and attended Helena College. He participated in numerous school activities, including wrestling and swimming. Outside of school, Chris enjoyed riding and was an award winning equestrian. Chris began working at American Chemet in 1995, and retired in 2020.
Chris married Mary Ahern, on October 18, 1997, at St. Helena Cathedral. He was a devoted husband and father, and was often teased by his children for being too overly protective of them. Chris’ greatest love was his family, and he enjoyed taking them fishing and teaching them all about vehicles. Chris was a car enthusiast and loved working on anything with a motor – which included “souping-up” his boat, his lawn mower, and even his children’s go-cart. Chris also enjoyed “helping” his children with any and all school projects. He frequently added a motor, lights and/or sound to leprechaun traps, valentine treat boxes and science fair projects.
Chris had a hilarious sense of humor, and loved playing pranks. He had a quick wit, and could find humor in anything. He especially enjoyed teasing his mother-in-law, Judy Patootie, as he called her. He had a very special with relationship with her, as well as Mary’s sisters, whom he affectionately referred to as his Sister Wives.
In 2005, Chris completed RCIA and was welcomed into the Catholic Church. Chris was a faithful member of Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Parish, and proud member of the Knights of Columbus. In 2018, Chris received the Msgr. Joseph Mavsar Award for outstanding service to the parish. Chris was deeply devoted to his faith, which carried him through to the end. He was always willing to help anyone in need, and spent countless hours assisting friends and family with their home and car projects.
Chris is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ahern Emmons, his children; Grace, Ella, Andrew, and Caleb; his mother, Cheryl Emmons, his brother, Patrick (Ika) Emmons, his sisters; Jennifer Emmons, Meagan (Josh) Smith, and Emily (Shad) Emmons; his brothers and sisters in-law; Jim (Carla) Ahern, Tim Ahern, Dan Ahern, Matt Ahern, Mike (Annamaria) Ahern, Jen (Vaughn) Cordell, Margaret (Keith) Jennings, Anne (Clay) Edinger, Lizzy (Brian) Jackson, Debbie Munson, Tony Roybal, and nieces and nephews; Taylor and Kenneth Pitner, Maddy Repp, Hannah and Abigail Zarr, Samuel and Alliane, Chris (Samantha) Ahern, Stephanie (David) Plymale, Jacob Ahern, Jessica (Daigo) Yamamura, Bethany Cordell (Sam Green), Duncan Cordell, Belle Cordell; Keith Jennings III, Megan Jennings (Bradley Leggitt), Paul Jennings, and Faith Jennings; Shannon Roybal, Garrett Edinger, Andrew and Christian Ahern, Joshua, Joseph, Abigail, Isaac and Oliver Jackson, great nieces and nephews; Gus and Mav Ahern, Eris Yamamura, Theodore Green, Brantley James and Booker Leggitt, and Charlie Plymale.
Chris was preceded in death by his father, Harry Emmons, his sister, Kimberly Repp, his father and mother in-law, Jim and Judy Ahern, and nephews, Benjamin Cordell and Nick Jennings.
Chris, please hug our dear parents, our beloved nephews, and hold and kiss the precious baby we lost until we join you in Heaven. Like you told us, it’s just for a little while.
A rosary will be held at 10:30 am and Mass at 11:00 am Friday September 17, 2021 at S S Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church 120 W Riggs St, East Helena, MT 59635. Burial at Resurrection Cemetery will follow directly after Mass and a Reception will be held following the burial at S S Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church.
Service Schedule
Rosary
10:30 am
Friday September 17, 2021
S S Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena , Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
11:00 am
Friday September 17, 2021
S S Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following Mass
Friday September 17, 2021
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following Burial
Friday September 17, 2021
S S Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Rosary
10:30 am
Friday September 17, 2021
S S Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena , Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
11:00 am
Friday September 17, 2021
S S Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following Mass
Friday September 17, 2021
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following Burial
Friday September 17, 2021
S S Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Jennifer says
Chris I will miss u more then u will ever know I love u and I know that your safe and flying with the angels. I will always have memories and for that I am thankful love u. Your sister Jennifer emmons ❤️❤️❤️
Bill Shrop says
It is an honor to have known, and worked with Chris at American Chemet. He is an inspiration in his courage of conviction, and dedication to Mary, Grace, Ella, Andrew and Caleb.
Ryan says
Rest in peace Chris, thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Sigrid Anders-Olson says
Peace and comfort to all of you. Chris, tell Kimmy and your dad hello in heaven from me.
Love to you all, hang in there and find comfort in each other.
Blessings, Sigi
Michelle Alagna says
Chris and I were good friends in High School. I will always remember him as a sweet, kind and loveable kid. I’m heartbroken to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to his family.
Be at peace my friend.
Michelle
Michael Walker says
Oh my gosh. You were my riding partner on a quest to be extreme, get famous, and break bike parts. I first met you in 1992 at Helena High and we reconnected as, by years adults, by spirit still kids that wanted to jump our bikes off stuff. We were in the bike shop daily with the “ I don’t know I was just riding along and it broke, warranty replacement?” My heart is heavy my guy just no words to express. There are a hand full of people who impact your heart in a positive way and your sure did sir.
Denise Barber says
Mary and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My sincerest condolences
John Billington says
Sorry I’m not there to pay my respects. Prays and thoughts go out to you and the family. He was a great friend and boss. Deeply sorry for lost .
Patty Hartman says
Oh, Mary, I am so sorry. Love to you and your family.
Jerome tuss says
I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Chris. Chris was a student of mine in Clancy. I always enjoyed having Chris in class. May God bless you and your family. I’m sure he will be missed by all that knew him.
Jerome Tuss
Neal Blossom says
My wife Kathie and I sat with Chris, Mary, Grace, Ella, Andrew and Caleb at numerous Christmas parties. It was a joyous time and the kids they were all dressed to the nines. Ella and Grace looked like princesses only outdone by Mary and the boys were sharp in their red vests matching Chris. Obviously Chris and Mary honored Christmas and love their children so much. Chris was a hard working man and provided for his family. He cared by all of us, his coworkers. Chris will be missed by all of us.
Ted Polette says
Dear Family,
My heart goes out to you for your loss of your dear Chris. I was fortunate to teach Chris at Clancy Elementary School and experience his sense of humor and kindness to his fellow peers. He will be missed by many.