Christina Marie Downs was born January 31,1963, in Havre Montana and earned her official angel wings on July 5, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Chrissy was the middle child and only daughter of Alton and Jean (Walker) Annis. She grew up in Savoy on the family farm with her two brothers "little house on the prairie style" as she would put it. She attended the one room schoolhouse in Savoy for a time, sometimes barely escaping with her life, until she finished out her school years in Harlem. Chrissy loved being outdoors, riding her horses, and showing just how tough she was.
After graduation she moved to Chinook, where she later met her husband Dennis Downs. They were married in the fall of 1986 during a massive flood. Their family welcomed two children, Janelle in 1993 and Blake in 1997. Chrissy was a mom before she was officially a mom, taking in neighborhood kids and treating them as her own. She continued this all of her life and every kid that ever passed through the Chinook schools, local community, or JUMP was one of her kids.
Chrissy loved fiercely and was happiest when she settled into her job at the CHS office as the secretary, or more accurately school mom, and was surrounded by her kids. JUMP was her passion and while she was known for her tough love at times, she was the kindest and most patient woman to even the most difficult of teens. Her passion for her faith was contagious and permeated all aspects of her life as she taught as many as she could about how to be a loving Christian through her actions. Chrissy was always the first to volunteer to help and the last to leave, outworking most up until the very end.
Chrissy is survived by her husband Dennis; brothers Calvin (Paula) Annis, Clayton (Starla) Annis; children Janelle (Moses) Deanon, Blake (Olivia) Downs; grandchildren Lexi and Lance; and nephew Flint. She is preceded in death by her parents Alton and Jean, and her granddaughter Clarke.
Chrissy will always be remembered for the massive impact she made on the community of Chinook. Her reach was far and wide and she impacted too many to even count. Her passing is mourned by many, and her presence will be dearly missed. She is safe in the arms of the Lord she loved so much now. We will love her forever.
A celebration of life took place in the Chinook High school gym Tuesday July 16th at 11 a.m. followed by a luncheon at the commercial building at the fairgrounds. Chrissy's family asks that in lieu of flowers you donate to plant a tree in her honor at the cemetery, or make a memorial donation to her beloved JUMP group, mail to P.O. box 1 Chinook, MT 59523.