Chris married Robert B. Schmidt of Helena in Billings on Oct. 15, 1949. Together they had three daughters, Bonnie, Debbie, and Stephanie. She and her husband owned Big Horn Electric in Cody, Wyoming from 1958-1967. They moved to Silver City, N.M., and Chris went to work for the U.S. Forest Service. Robert passed away in 1980 and Chris transferred to Susanville to be near her daughter and son in law. She retired from the Forest Service in 1994.

Chris was member of Beta Sigma Phi for over 40 years, serving in all positions and she was active in the Republican Women. She enjoyed gardening, gourmet cooking, crossword puzzles and reading.

Survivors include her daughters, Bonnie ‏(Boyd)‏ Britton of John Day, Ore., Debbie ‏(Ken]‏ Claridge, Morenci, Arizona, and Stephanie ‏(Glen)‏ Reed of Broken Arrow, Okla; Mother Ina Christensen of Billings and sister Judy ‏(Bob)‏ Locke of Billings; loving companion of 15 years, Al Martin of Susanville, four grandchildren, Jeff Vaughn, Jeromy ‏(Janet)‏ Vaughn, Brandi Britton, Jennifer ‏(Dustin)‏ Carter and a granddaughter due in February; five great-grandchildren, Connor, Madison and Cars Vaughn, and Blaize and Tremor Carter. She was preceded in death by Robert, her husband of 31 years and her father.

"You were a loving mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother in law and you will be forever missed"

Friends may pay their respects to the family at a visitation Friday, Nov. 5 from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. at the Funeral Chapel. Services will be Friday, at 3 P.M. at American Lutheran Church in Billings. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Chris' name to Beta Sigma Phi Scholarship Fund at PO Box 64, John Day, Or 97845 Billings Gazette Nov. 4, 2004