Christine Florence "Loppy" Oppelt, age 72, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on November 23, 2024. Christine was born on December 20,1951 at the Fort Belknap Indian Hospital.
She grew up in Hays, MT and attended the Hays Lodgepole school up until 9th grade. She then attended Flandrau Indian School for several years, as well as Great Falls High. It was in Great Falls where she met and married her one and only true love, William Oppelt, on November 10, 1973. They enjoyed 51 years together.
Christine was a devoted wife, dedicated mother, and she treasured her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a Camp Crew Boss up until the age of 71. Christine had a life-long passion for the outdoors, enjoying camping and hunting.
She especially loved to camp with family and friends at the Willow Creek Reservoir. She was well known for her delicious frybread and Indian tacos. One of the family's fondest memories was when she made us Indian tacos during one of our camping trips.
Though she was struggling with her health, she was beyond excited to be discharged from the Grandview on July 3, 2024. She got to come home to celebrate the 4th of July with family from Washington whom she dearly loved.
She was able to go back home to Hays, MT to visit her sisters and attended the annual pow wow. She was also able to go to a few of her favorite places, including Texas Roadhouse in Missoula, and the Coeur D'Alene Casino in Worley Idaho.
Christine is survived by her loving husband Bill, her children Billie (Doug), William Jr "Gordo" (Cassie), Jimmy (Montie) and Debbie (Jeremy), Jimmy Jr (Jory), Felicia (Justin), 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, her sister Gertrude Werk, who raised her, and was like a mother to her. Frances Russette, Wilma Morsette, Christabelle Christenson, Dorothy Christenson, Nickolee Kirkaldie, Dawn Morsette, Marlene Werk, and Laura Werk. brothers Tony Mann, Clyde "Cougie" Werk Jr, Bill Werk, Warren Werk, Frank Werk and Kenny Werk.
She was preceded in death by her mom, Mildred Christenson, sisters Madeliva Russette and Mabel Mann, brothers David Mann, Thomas Donald Mann, and Norman Christenson.
Please join us in celebrating her life Friday, December 13, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. the Family Living Center, Montana ExpoPark Fairgrounds, 400 Third Street NW, Great Falls.
