Kristin Nydam
February 05, 1953 - June 22, 2024
Obituary
On February 5th, 1953, Bill Ellison returned home from taking his wife Jean to Livingston expecting their third child. When he returned, Grandma Josie Berg, who had been staying with their two older children, asked her son-in-law, “What did she have?” The new father replied, “What did she have! She had twin girls!” Kristin Mae and Kathryn Marie joined two siblings on that wintery night.
Kristin (Kris) Mae grew up in White Sulphur Springs, MT, alongside her twin sister through elementary school up to high school. As she proceeded through the years, it was made apparent that Kris was gifted with a musical talent much like her mother, Jean Berg Ellison. Kris played the piano and guitar, sang in the high school choir and played flute in the band. Her extracurricular activities also included cheerleading, baton group and the girls' basketball team. After graduating from high school, Kris attended MSU in Bozeman. However, her gifted abilities in music lead her on a new adventure to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Kris had an undeniable passion for all genres of music, but most importantly she had a love for jazz and the blues. Kris expressed her emotions and love of others through writing her own music for family, and by teaching others the love of piano and music composition.
Upon returning to Montana, Kris worked in Bozeman at the Law Enforcement Academy. One evening, a friend talked her into going on a blind date with a mutual friend, who would later became her husband, Howie Nydam. Kris and Howard married on September 23rd, 1978, in White Sulphur Springs, MT. The couple moved to Grand Junction, CO, but quickly realized Montana was home. Kris and Howie moved to Billings shortly thereafter, and years later decided it was time to grow their family. On May 30th, 1988, Kris and Howie welcomed a baby girl and named her Randi. Kris' life immediately changed after the birth of her daughter, and her primary focus shifted to being the best mom she could be. Randi was her pride and joy and she looked forward to their daily morning and evening calls and texts. Kris also deeply cared for her family, pets, friends, and her work. Over the years, Kris worked as a secretary for JN Oil and Gas, Headstart, Yellowstone County Probation and Parole, RSVP of Yellowstone County, and the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office.
On June 22nd, 2024, Kris passed away in her family home from a sudden decline in health in the presence of her husband, Howie, and her two dogs she adored. Kris was known for her generosity, selflessness, and dedication to serving others - most importantly the elderly. Kris was an angel on earth, and children and pets were drawn to her warmth and smile. She had the ability to bring out the best in others, and her open heart allowed her to meet many friends along her life journey. Until her last breath, Kris continued to calm the worries of her family and friends.
Kris is survived by her daughter Randi (Eric Anderson) – an OR registered nurse at Logan Health, and her beloved husband Howie. She was preceded in death by her parents Jean and Bill Ellison, her twin sister Kathi, her nephew Brett Ellison, her brother-in-law Don Johnston and numerous other relatives. Surviving Kris is her brother Rick (Connie) Ellison, niece Erica (Dustin) Strayer and their two daughters Macey & Hadley, and nieces Ashlyn, Marissa, Kari & Laney Ellison. Also surviving is her sister, Becky Johnston, nieces Libby (Ty Wells), Mari (Tyler) Hamm and their two daughters Emma & Taya, and Alysha (Kasey) Basso. Lastly, she is survived by many Berg/Ellison family members, the Nydam family, and many friends.
Services will be held on Saturday, June 29th at 3:00pm at Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran at 411 Jefferson St in White Sulphur Springs, MT with a graveside service to follow at Mayn Cemetery at 4108 US Highway 12 in White Sulphur Springs, followed by a reception at White Sulphur Springs Senior/Community Center, located at 101 1st Avenue SE.
Memorial donations may be made in honor of Kris at the following animal non-profit organizations, or to a charity of one's choice.
Pooch'z B&B - a home for senior dogs
PO Box 30157
Billings, MT 59107
poochzbnb.org
White Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter
City Hall
105 W Hampton
White Sulphur Springs, MT
Rez Dog Rescue of Montana
4985 Blue Creek Rd
Billings, MT 59101
rezdogrescueofmontana.com