Kristy Dritshulas Bakker

Kristy Dritshulas Bakker, 45, lost her battle with breast cancer and quietly slipped into God's loving arms on Wednesday, June 27, 2012. She was surrounded by her loving family, who tenderly saw her through her journey.

Kristy grew up in Havre, Mont., and attended Havre High School, where she graduated as the valedictorian of her class. She moved to Helena and attended Carroll College.

Kristy was a devoted mother and wife whose greatest love was her family. She adored her husband and children. Kristy had an exceptional gift of teaching and caring for young children, and at one time, ran a preschool out of her home. She was graceful, beautiful and touched everyone she met with her kindness and gentle nature.

Kristy married Joseph (Jody) Bakker on July 7, 1990, in Havre. Later the Bakkers moved to the Flathead Valley. They made their home in Bigfork, where they raised their three children, Tia Nicole Bakker, 20, who lives in Whitefish and works as a conductor for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Joseph Wiley Dritshulas Bakker, 16, a junior at Bigfork High School and William Lavin Bakker, 15, a sophomore at Bigfork High School.

Kristy is survived by her father, William Dritshulas of Havre; her mother, Loretta Gallentine of Havre; her brothers, Clint Estell of Havre and Abraham Estell of Gillette, Wyo .; her sisters, Cindy Luke of Denver, Colo., and Teri Rae Horinek of Hingham; her uncle, Ron Koleman of Havre; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Kalispell at Swan Lake starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 21. There will be signs to follow and the family wishes for everyone to bring their children with them. The family also wishes that all female friends and others to take themselves to the doctor and get a mammogram. This would be an honor for the family.