W. Dell Christiansen, born May 14, 1950, in Butte, Montana, to Carl and Winnie McCallum, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Dell started her journey early in life with marriage and welcomed two children, Phil and Janelle Harvey. In 1977 she married a cowboy, Bill Christiansen, who brought 3 more children - Lee, Doug, and Dawn—just to keep things interesting. Together, they lived in Butte and Three Forks, Montana, until 1981, when they packed up and moved to Gillette, Wyoming, for new adventures.

Never one to back down from a challenge, Dell went back to school later in life, earning her degree in 1998 (proving it’s never too late to outsmart your kids). In 1999, she and Bill relocated to Sheridan, where she took on the role of drug and alcohol counselor at WYSTAR. Dell retired in 2010, but her quick wit and sage advice giving never clocked out.

Her hobbies included fishing, traveling, reading, and golfing—famously sinking an impossible hole-in-one in Buffalo, which she never let her husband forget. She also volunteered at the First Christian Church Thrift Store, dedicating her time and energy to helping others.

Dell is preceded in death by her parents Carl and Winnie, brother Wayne, and beloved husband, Bill, who surely welcomed her with open arms—and a sigh of relief now that he has her French toast back. She leaves behind her sister Barbara Flori, sons Lee, Doug (Tammy), and Phil (Heather); daughters Dawn (Jimmy) and Janelle (Matt); her ever-loyal fur baby, Dillon; 11 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Known for her fierce independence, Dell was a free spirit who left a lasting impression on all who knew her. A private service will be held for immediate family at a later date. In lieu of flowers or cards, donations can be made to the Dog and Cat Shelter in Sheridan, WY because Dell never met a stray she didn’t want to rescue.

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