Michal Ann Crebo passed away from pancreatic cancer on July 25, 2021 at home, surrounded by her family. She came into this world two months premature on October 19, 1950 in Billings, MT. She was born to Donna Brent and later adopted by her father, Jack Ahlander. Her grandmother, whom she loved dearly, Mary Brent, helped raise her in her early years.
Michal graduated from Billings West High School and worked various jobs thereafter.
Michal met her love, Kent Crebo, and they were married in Billings on April 20, 1974. A few years later they moved to Helena to enable Kent to pursue his career. While in Helena, Michal worked many years as a clerk/secretary at City Court. In August of 1981, Kent and Michal were blessed with their daughter, Janelle M. Lowry (Crebo). Michal retired in 1999 to become a full-time house wife. It was at that time that she could devote all her energy to the things she loved most: her family, taking care of her beloved pets, traveling, shopping, gardening, socializing, holidays and cheering on the Grizzlies (Go Griz)!
Michal had a heart of gold and so much love to give. Her family was her world, especially her two grandbabies. Michal had been shopping and saving items for her grandbabies long before they were born. In October 2014 and again in 2016, she finally got her wish of being a grandma. She loved Jaxon and Pazely with all of her soul. There wasn’t anything that she wouldn’t do for those two. She loved her time visiting in Palm Springs, CA and fulfilling the role of grandma.
Michal was one of the best! She was an amazing soul, with such an infectious presence about her. She was kind hearted, gracious, funny, giving, and all around amazing. She truly left an imprint on everyone she met. She will be missed more than words can express.
Michal was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Duncan; mother-in-law, Barbara; Aunt, Marjorie; and other loved ones. She is survived by her husband, Kent; daughter, Janelle (Mark); two grandchildren, Jaxon and Pazely; brother-in-law, Bob (Les); sister-in-law, Leni (Duncan); nephew, Jason (Naemi, Olivia, and Jude); and many cousins, loved ones, and numerous friends.
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home is in charge of the cremation. At Michal’s request, there will be no formal services. A Celebration of Life for Michal will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to the Humane Society (Michal loved animals) or the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Karen Bryson says
Dear Kent, Janelle and family,
Heartfelt condolences to you. So many fond memories of Michal Ann that span a multitude of years.
Hugs to you as you face the days ahead. May many memories provide you peace and comfort.
Hugs,
Karen Bryson
Michael James Spurzem says
Kent and family,
Very sorry to hear of Michal’s passing. I have many fond memories of times we all shared back in the 70s. Although I have not seen you both for years, those memories will never be forgotten.
Wishing you peace and sympathy during this time of sadness and reflection.
michael spurzem
Tonna Strasko says
Michal always seemed to have a smile – that’s how I remember her when she worked at the City Court.
My prayers are with you all.
Tonna Strasko
Mary Marshall says
I am so sorry to hear about Michal. We go back many years. We were roommates and always laughing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. She will always be remembered
Mary Marshall
Shirley Bentzen Reese says
So very sorry to learn of Michal’s passing. We spent years working in the Courthouse although in different courts. Michal was part of our monthly Retirees Lunch Bunch and was always so upbeat and bubbly. She will be missed! Sending prayers to you all for comfort and peace at this difficult time.
Jamie Mitchell says
Kent and family…Michal was such a vibrant and uplifting person to be around. So many fun memories of her, working at the courthouse and luncheons after we all retired. We will miss her so much. My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies.
Debbie Zuidema says
Kent and Janelle,
I’m so sorry to hear of Michal’s passing. My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies.
Laurena Stephens says
Kent, Janelle and family,
I was so saddened to learn of Michal’s passing. I, too, worked in the courthouse when she did and then got to enjoy her again at our lunches. She was a fun, spunky lady . I knew I would have fun and lots of laughs when she was present. Thinking of you all with the deepest of sympathy.
Sue & Curt Chisholm says
Kent, Janelle and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your dear Michal…I worked at the courthouse and was also part of the retirees luncheon…my memories of Michal are full of laughs and giggles…I loved the way she would express her self and she always would bring a smile to my face and I always left with a good feeling! I missed some of the retirees luncheons but Shirley and Laurena would tell me how excited she was to be a gramma…I loved hearing about her bragging and bringing pictures to the luncheon! We have eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren and believe me it’s a wonderful feeling when you get to brag about grandchildren and I was sorry that I missed seeing how excited Michal was but hearing all about it was the next best thing! You now have a wonderful guardian angel and believe me she will be following you around every minute of the day…believe in angels and look for the signs! We know all too well about angels…we lost our beloved son Jonas 20 years ago…Today was a very stressful day my husband had a doctor appointment in Great Falls but the visit turned out very positive…we drove home in the storm and just when we got back to Helena the song One More Day came on the radio!! That was a song we had on a video we did of our son Jonas…”One More Day” by Diamond Rio – that’s not a coincidence that’s a sign from Jonas! Find comfort in your memories and know she’s watching over all! I hope my story gave you some comfort and know that Michal was loved by all that knew her. Love, hugs and prayers -♥️🙏♥️ Sue & Curt Chisholm
Terry & Kelly Steele says
Terry and I send our deepest sympathy to Kent, Janelle, and all the family. Michal was one of a kind. She was fun, caring, generous, and most of all a fantastic wife, mother, and grandmother. I will truly miss our evening telephone calls to each other to discuss our days. We would have tears, laughter, and our usual sarcasm during our calls. May your sorrow grow softer over time. Michal will truly be missed! Love and hugs to all the family.
Susan Blehm Rye says
Kent, Janelle and family,
I have known Michal all my life and will never forget her smile, the infectious laugh , her friendship and her love of her family. She lit up a room and so special to be with. I am sincerely sorry for your loss, Michal will be missed. Never forgotten. Love Susan
Douglas Blehm says
Michal. My God mother. I will miss you like no other Now you and Mom can shop till you drop Love you dearly. So watch over those grand babies. Your in paradise. God bless to my cousins and our family. See you when we meet again Love Dougie
Marilyn Connor says
All my memories of Michal are happy ones. She loved being around family and friends and I can only imagine how much she loved being a Gramma. Heaven definitely acquired an impish little angel and she’ll be making them laugh too . 💋
Sara Rae (south) says
Kent, Janelle and family
This loss breaks my heart! Thank you so much for being my other mother growing up. You taught me what love was and how much fun a family could have together. I will never forget how you were the rock keeping smiles going and making sure everyone was ok. With you going the extra mile came easy. All the holidays were full of cheer and decorations were next level. Your laugh was contagious going to a football game or an event I knew we’d be laughing and dressed up with stickers to colors and whatever you could find. Janelle learned from you, very creative and put so much love into everything. It’s no wonder she grew to be a teacher. The dancing and singing even invented games to play together. The special candy drawer and your love of Elvis and Michael J. Grease and some of the memories that you shared of the “good times” If it weren’t for Michael my childhood would have been pretty lonely and dull, showing me the littlest things in life could be amazing. You could take the most sad thing and turn into a positive. You never made me feel bad you made me want to try harder and do better! This day is very sad but because of you I’ll turn this into the most positive and be thankful for getting the privilege to know you and grow up with such a good person. Love you! “Other mom!”
Peter Thomas Rehmann says
Michal,
Your were always such a character & fun to work with in city court. You are truly missed by Deb (HPD753) & me (HPD755-Retired).
Enjoy heaven. We know you are looking down on us.