Obituary for Julie G. Chriske
Born Julie Gaye Ingersoll on October 20, 1956 in Helena, Montana, Julie’s life wasn’t easy, but she lived it with grace and tenacity. Julie was raised by her mother Betty and grandmother Alice and completed her K-12 education in Helena before briefly attending the UM in Missoula. Julie married Jim Chriske in 1975 and they had 3 children: Mandi (1975), Amy (1977) and Sam (1979). Though they divorced in 1982, they remained good friends throughout her life. Julie and four other women operated the Northern Lights Café and Collective on Last Chance Gulch, which was where she met Sanna Yost, her life partner, in 1982.
Julie, Sanna and kids moved to the San Francisco Bay area for a year and then returned to Helena where Julie worked at Mountain View School for Girls. When Sam entered the first grade, Julie went back to school at Carroll College and graduated with BA degrees in Sociology and Business Administration in 1990. She worked as an eligibility tech for the Montana Low Income Energy Assistance program, a concert organizer, and a tax consultant in Helena while completing her Masters degree in Human Services/Family Counseling through the University of Great Falls (1996). After working with homeless clients at Project Work Program for 2.5 years, Julie spent nearly 5 years as a Case Manager at Career Training Institute working with teen parents….received the Governor’s award for her efforts in 1996. In 1997, Julie left CTI and started Genesis Counseling Services and focused on Addictions counseling. In 2002, Julie became the Addictions Counselor at the Helena Indian Alliance’s Leo Pocha Clinic and worked there until she had to quit because of illness in 2009.
Julie had a magnetic personality, quick wit and marvelous sense of humor. She would know more about someone in 15 minutes than most of us could learn in years…she said it was because she had a degree in “snoop”. Julie was a voracious reader, loved being a mother, absolutely adored her grandchildren, was a great & dedicated friend, a poet and totally spoiled the family’s 6 Chihuahuas. In Julie’s opinion, whether hanging out, doing crafts, watching sporting events, feasting, watching movies, or shopping; any day with the grandkids was a good day. She was the consummate entertainer…such a wonderful hostess and an excellent cook. Her motto in the kitchen was “a little is good, a lot is better “, which should have been mounted alongside the “What Happens at Grandma’s, Stays at Grandma’s” sign. She had an affinity for working with troubled teens and thoroughly enjoyed watching and rewatching numerous situational comedies on TV.
She’d been ill for many years and worked hard to heal from one illness only to have another illness raise its ugly head. In the end, at 8:30 PM on March 31, 2014 she took her last breath, surrounded by family and friends in a hospital bed in the living room at home.
Julie was preceded in death by her grandmother Alice (2000), her son Sam (2008), her daughter Mandi (2010), her father-in-law Bud Yost (2012), her step father-in-law Dick Kovash (2009) and her father Clyde Harris Gardipee (1980?).
She is survived by her life partner Sanna Yost, her daughter Amy (Shane) Hall, her mother Betty Ingersoll, her grandchildren Jordan Chriske-Hall, Julia Rowlan, Taylor Chriske-Hall; her former husband Jim (Hedy) Chriske, her mother-in-law Marlene Kovash, her other mother-in-law Norita Yost, her sisters-in-law Kelly Harper, Robin (Mark) Pederson, Penny (Mike) Yost-Adams and step siblings-in-law Roxanne (Kurt) LaRoque and Rich (Rochelle) Kovash.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, April 3 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 4th at the funeral home. A reception will immediately follow the funeral service in the social hall at the funeral home. A graveside service will take place at 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 7 at St. Ann’s cemetery in East Helena. Memorials in Julie’s name are suggested to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday April 3, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday April 4, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday April 4, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday April 3, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday April 4, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday April 4, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Lisa and Gary Addington says
Though we did not know Ms. Julie all that well, we do know that she was a very special lady to her family and the mother our daughter’s very dear friend. Both Lisa and I send our heart felt condolences and prayers to all of the Chriske family. We wish you all to know that your grief is shared and we hope that the future holds much happier and joyous times.
Jim & Daniell Redden says
Dear Family-
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Julie was a neat lady. She will be dearly missed.
Love-
The Reddens
Cindi Dillon says
To Julie’s Loved Ones: Julie was such a wonderful when our mother, Gloria Marshall, passed away. She is now by her side in heaven. I am so sorry for your loss. It seems the good do die young. You are all in my prayers.
Becky says
Julie was always so friendly and happy. God speed.
Deb and Wayne Bushnell says
Dear Sanna, Amy and family, so very sorry and sad to hear about Julie. I dearly loved her and know that I and everyone who knew her, will miss her terribly. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
Deb and Wayne Bushnell
Seth and Tahnee Szymanski says
To Grandma Betty, Sanna, Amy, and the entire family, our hearts are broken with yours. Julie will be dearly missed. Julie gave me to of the very best things in my life. One, she married me to my better half. And two, she gave me a lifelong friend in her daughter Amy.
Amy, I wish I could lessen the pain of losing your Momma. I hope you know what a remarkable woman you are. You did her so proud.
Love you all!
Kim Schroeder Wyndance says
My thoughts and prayers for Julie’s family and friends.
Ann Luithly says
That obituary captured Julie perfectly. What a gem of a woman. I have so many memories of her that I hold dear. My love and prayers are with you, her family who she was do devoted to. I was hoping I could get out there for the service….it isn’t going to happen tho. So I will keep my candles lit and be with you in spirit. And hold Julie close.
XxOo
Ann
Clara Martinez says
I have known Julie for many years, I worked with her at Mountain View School. She always had a smile on her face, She wanted to help every body. We had a very nice talk last time we saw each other. She is now pain free and with her loved ones who have gone before her. My prayers go out to her loved ones she left behind, You all will meet again, in Heaven. May God bless you and hold you tight. RIP Julie. Peace, Clara
Ellie Rapp says
Julie was a full-on woman & made quite an impact on so many lives. It was my grand surprise to reunite with her @ a potluck maybe 2 decades after I was her caseworker! Many many of us will feel her passing with great memories & deep sorrow for those closest.
Robin Larson says
Julie Chriske, a remarkable lady who will be missed by many. I extend my condolences to all her family, close friends and associates.
Nan Joy says
Dear Sanna and Amy and all of Julie’s family,
Julie was the first person I met when I moved to Helena from the Midwest. She was warm and welcoming and that meant so much to me. I was always amazed at how she juggled so much simultaneously and with such grace! Sanna, and Amy too, I am here for you. Sending much love,
Nan