Kristy Hanson, 67

Kristy Ann Hanson, age 67, passed away from metastatic lung cancer on December 1, 2024, in Helena, Montana, with her daughter by her side. Born in Havre, Montana, on October 23, 1957, Kristy was the second of five children born to John "Jack" and Marjorie Hanson.

Kristy was a true “Montana girl” at heart. She spent many days of her life immersing herself in the outdoors by hunting, fishing, seeking rattlesnakes, catching crawdads, swimming, or picking huckleberries.

If you knew Kristy, you knew her love for food, especially BBQ ribs, BBQ brisket, crispy bacon (just like her dad), smoked cheese, and taco burgers from Taco John’s (with more cheese than taco meat).

Growing up, Kristy was a talented athlete, excelling in softball, tennis, and track at Havre High School, where she was a proud Blue Pony.

Kristy married Dale Atkinson in 1977, and although they later divorced, their union brought two children into the world: Jedediah and Jennifer.

Kristy’s life was not without struggle. In 2008, she triumphed over addiction and embraced a new chapter in her life, deepening her relationship with Jesus. Kristy was not perfect—none of us are—but she tried to be the best version of herself she could.

In her final weeks, Kristy spoke often of the people she had loved throughout her life, sharing names from the past and expressing deep gratitude for the relationships that had shaped her.

Kristy is survived by her mother, Marjorie Hanson; her siblings, Jeffrey Hanson, Kari (Rob) Lewis, Jennifer (Brent) Cotton, and Matthew Hanson; her children, Jedediah Atkinson and Jennifer (James) Adkins; her grandchildren, Jayden, Emily, and Levi; and many other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

An informal celebration of Kristy’s life will take place in the summer of 2025 and will no doubt include BBQ and smoked cheese.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has been carried out.