Beth Ann Christiansen

Beth Ann Christiansen, age 63, of Billings, passed away on August 24, 2020. She was born on May 16, 1957 to Hubert "Buzz" and Bernice Christiansen in Red Lodge, MT; she joined her two older sisters Denice and Jo. Beth was the true "baby" of the family. She was the light of her parents' eyes. Growing up in Billings, the family settled at the house on Miles Avenue. The three girls enjoyed many years of running around with their neighborhood buddies, and attending Miles Avenue Elementary School. Beth went on to be a cheerleader at Lewis & Clark Middle School, and graduated from West High School, followed by the University of Montana earning a degree in Communications.

After college, Beth worked for the County Attorney's office as a probation officer and victim witness assistant. She presented at numerous conferences because of her expertise. After her tenure at the County Attorney's office, she went to work for the US Attorney's office and continued her role as a victim witness assistant. One of the proudest moments of her career was meeting Janet Reno. In 2000 she received the Quality Step Increase award for her tenacity in restoring victims' rights.

On June 4, 1988, she married Duane Binstock and from this union, her greatest joy, Joseph Binstock was born. Duane and Beth later separated. Beth was the greatest supporter, proudest mom, and never missed a baseball game of Joey's. You knew where she was in the stands because she was the loudest one cheering. She was also an avid Montana Grizzly and Denver Broncos fan and would don her Griz gear first thing in the mornings. She and Buzzy loved to rehash the games together. Her love of horse racing led her to purchase a couple of racing horses and she proudly displayed their winning records from around the state. Beth was the hostess with the mostest and she would always have food on the table and a cold beverage when you stopped by, even if it was to just say hi.

In 2007, she married James "Jimmy" Desjarlais and he spent the last few years as her caregiver. They were soulmates forever and had many adventures together.

Beth struggled with addiction and she was an overcomer. She lived her last years in sobriety and we couldn't have been more proud of her.

She was preceded in death by her dad, Buzz Christiansen and nephew, Cody Lowe.

She is survived by her son Joseph, her mother Bernice, sisters Denice (Gary) Marshall of Cathedral City, CA and Jo (Jim) Swain of Billings, numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and many friends who were like family to her. Auntie, we will always remember our slumber parties and backyard BBQs. We could always count on you in the middle of the day or night to be there for us, no questions asked. We confided in you and found comfort in your free spirit. Your support of us and beaming smile will be missed and we know you and grandpa are watching the games together once again.

A viewing will be held 4-7pm on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Services will be held at a later date in Red Lodge, MT.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Alcoholics Anonymous chapter.