Olive "Bernice" Crumbaker Christiansen

A “Finnish Heart” was silenced on Sept. 24, 2022, following a brief illness. Bernice was born on the Puhto farm in Fox, Montana, in her grandparents’ home on Oct. 6, 1927, to proud parents Howard and Vienna Crumbaker. Her brother, Howard, although skeptical at first, grew to adore his little sister.

As a third generation Finlander, Bernice enjoyed all the duties and responsibilities of working a small, family farm, including haying and feeding animals. Fox School, a classic one-room schoolhouse, was the first stop in her schooling. Red Lodge High School followed, with graduation occurring in 1945. While at Red Lodge High School, she met and ultimately married her high school sweetheart, H.C. “Buzz” Christiansen in June 1948. Buzz had one eye searching for the cheerleader on the sidelines as he dribbled up the court or ran down field.

Upon graduation, Bernice launched her secretarial career in Helena, Montana, considered to be a world away from the farm. Her life’s work as an administrative assistant continued in Billings Public Schools as an elementary school secretary, ultimately moving in to the district administration building. After retiring from the school district, Bernice went on to work with her brother, Howard, at Crumbacher Gallery.

Bernice was a regular participant at Bingo parlors from Montana to California. She also assumed the role of bingo caller during Sunday night bingo at Aspen View. Even at 94, Bernice was a Scrabble aficionado; daughter Denice is still licking her wounds from accepting defeat regularly. Bernice was the ultimate crafter, sewing, knitting and creating any number of homemade gifts for family and friends. She had little hesitation in attempting something new like screen printing, creating a pinch pot from clay, or completing a counted cross-stitch birth announcement for a grandchild. These treasures are a true measure of a “Finnish Heart,” as one of God’s greatest gifts is to be born with such a heart. A “Finnish Heart” can exude more warmth than the top bench of a Saturday night sauna. Our family is honored to have sweaters, hats, pot holders, counted cross-stitch, and jewelry all designed and manufactured with love.

Bernice joined the sideline cheers for each and every grandchild participating in their sport or activity of choice. Bureau drawers hold souvenir t-shirts from Billings Senior High, Billings West High, Dickinson State, Jossey Ranch, Laurel Locomotives, and any number of Little League teams. Grandchildren were afforded their own personal, creative memories album memorializing their participation. We will cherish these gifts of love.

Bernice was a member of the Billings Garden Club, First United Methodist Church and Laurel Golf Course. Buzz and Bernice were Charter Members of the Laurel Club, blazing the trail for future generations to enjoy. They enjoyed their many months retiring in Rancho Mirage, California.

Bernice is survived by daughters Denice (Gary) Marshall, Cathedral City, California, Jo (Jim) Swain, Billings; grandchildren Leigh (Todd) Wilson, Billings, Aaron (Hilari) Berklund, Anahuac, Texas, Dennis (Jackie) Swain, St. Ignatius, Hannah (Dustin) Blodgett, Billings, Haley (Luke) Philips, Portland, Oregon, and Joseph (Jade) Binstock, Bozeman. Great nephew, Jim Craig (Judy, deceased), Idaho Falls, and cousin Darlene (Jerry, deceased) Sullivan. Bernice is survived by 12 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Bernice is also survived by nephew Jack (Darla) Crumbaker and niece Betty (Bill) Spoonemore. She was predeceased by her daughter Beth Christiansen, brother Howard (Norma) and husband Buzz. Her legacy of generosity and love will be carried on by her family in true Finnish tradition.

Private family services are planned for a later date in Red Lodge, Montana. The family requests tributes in honor of Bernice be made to First United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice. To those with a “Finnish Heart,” helping a neighbor exists as a privilege not an obligation. The “Finnish Heart” poem was written by cousin Jerry Sullivan in honor of Vienna Crumbaker.