Christine “Chris” Brookman, 69, of Bainville, MT, passed away on Monday, October 26, 2020 at her residence in Bainville, Montana.

Christine "Chris" Brookman was born December 28, 1950 to Emmett and H. Barbara (Rittle) Young, in Glendive, Montana. She was the youngest of their four children joining a sister and two brothers. The family settled in Sidney, Montana, when Chris was very young, where she attended schools and graduated from Sidney High School in 1969. She attended Cosmetology school after graduation and worked various jobs waiting for her destined path in her life.

She met her soulmate, Marlin B. Brookman, and they married on November 24, 1973. They were best friends and the love of each other’s life. In 1975 their daughter, Bree was born starting their dream for a family. In 1978 their son, Cole, was born to complete their family. Chris and Marlin were so proud to be parents and always made sure their children were raised to be happy and successful.

Chris and Marlin started their family on the family ranch in the Benrud Bench area, north of Wolf Point, Montana, where she worked side by side with her husband. Chris was a great ranch wife doing anything from driving tractor to working cows. She and Marlin also were very avid horse people and had a strong passion for rodeos and actively participated in events. Chris was raised with horses and family horse activities and excelled in Barrel Racing, winning a state high school rodeo championship.

When Marlin left ranching, he chose law enforcement as a career path, taking the family to various towns in Eastern Montana, eventually finding their piece of paradise in Bainville, Montana, where they made their home and raised their children. Chris and Marlin were very active and beloved in the Bainville community. Chris was a bartender for Smokey's Bar, in Bainville, for 20 years and retired in 2018 but continued to be a big part of the Smokey's family. She loved to visit with customers and community members which many of became dear friends. Chris was not only a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, she was a beloved friend.

After her husband's passing on October 26, 2006, Chris really enjoyed being a part of her eight grandchildren's lives. She especially loved going to their sporting events to cheer them on. She enjoyed being with the fans watching the kids play. You would often hear her in the stands cheering them on, shouting, "Let 'er rip, tater chip!" Often you could find Chris "tinkering" in her garage. The family knew not to bother buying fancy things or jewelry for gifts. Tools and her Bobcat skid steer were her joys.

Chris is survived by her children, daughter, Bree Strickland and son-in-law Eddy, and their sons, Austin, Jaden, Jesse and Alex of Bainville, MT; son Cole, and daughter-in-law Erin, and their children, Colten, C.J., Clayton and Marleigh; stepdaughter, Carrie Jo Lazarz and son-in-law Mike, and their son, Colin of Tacoma, WA; brother, John Young and sister-in-law Pam of Clyde Park, MT; sister-in-law Linda Pickens and her husband Lee of Billings, MT; brother-in-law Chris Brookman of Billings, MT; niece and little sister Jodi McPherson (Mike Shaide) of Fairview, MT; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of almost 33 years, Marlin; her parents; her brother, Tom Young and sister, Dianne Johnson; infant grandson, Corin Michael Brookman; granddaughter, McKenzie Lazarz; her mother and father in-law; grandparents and many aunts and uncles.

Chris lived her life to the fullest and loved her family, especially her grandchildren, with all her heart. Chris was an amazing woman with a true spunky spirit and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.