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 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 BNSF 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 also survived by her father, William Dritshulas  of Havre; her mother, Loretta Gallentine of Havre; brothers, Clint Estell of Havre, and Abraham Estell of Gillette, Wyo.; sisters, Cindy Luke of Denver, 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 at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 21 at Swan Lake in Bigfork. There will be signs to follow and the family wishes for everyone to bring their children with them.

“The family also wishes for all female friends and others to take themselves to the doctor and get a mammogram. This would be an honor for the family.”