Daily Sitka Sentinel

Kristi Deckard Dies; SHS Grad Was 42

Kristi Deckard

Kristi (Keiki) Deckard passed away Feb. 20, 2019, in Billings, Montana, after a long battle with cancer.
In her 42 years, Kristi provided those around her with an unforgettable example of living life to the fullest, both professionally and, most importantly, personally.
She was a loving wife and mother; amazing aunt; doting daughter and sister; humorous, compassionate friend – Kristi truly relished every aspect of her life’s journey.
Kristi was born Dec. 15, 1976,  in Everett, Washington, the daughter of Renee Crawford and Tom Petersen.  She grew up and attended elementary school in Lake Chelan and Anacortes, and was a member of the Anacortes swim team in 1991, lettering as a freshman.
She graduated from Sitka High School with the Class of ’95.
She obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Colorado Technical University. She received her master of science in management degree with a concentration in health care management, graduating in March of 2017.  
During her schooling, Kristi began her career at Billings Clinic as a community training center coordinator. She was recognized for her efforts as an advocate to treat early warning signs of heart attacks by the American Heart Association. She taught numerous classes in first aid, training teachers, children, and up-and-coming first responders.
Kristi also was a member of the Blue Creek Volunteer Fire Department, and encouraged her pride and joy, daughter  Enna, to follow in her “boot-steps.”
Kristi had a passion for travel. At a young age, she had the opportunity to travel as a nanny to Scotland, and to Russia with the Sitka High symphonic band.
She was always planning her next adventure in life.  Many of those adventures included her beloved dogs:  Xena, Zeus, Zack, Yogi, Booboo and Trager.  
Perhaps her biggest adventure began on Aug. 14, 1999, when she married her sweetheart, Brian Deckard. Kristi and Brian made their home in Billings, and welcomed their baby girl — Enna. Kristi was a rock for Brian, Enna, Arnie and her extended family, as well as for her friends.  She was always willing to listen, offer advice, or simply give a big hug.  
Kristi is survived by her loving husband, Brian; her precious daughter Enna Renee; her mother, Renee Crawford of California; her father, Tom (Jody) Petersen of Manson, Washington; her brother Arnie (Nicole) Petersen and their three children, Ava, Thomas and Maggie of Billings; mother-in-law Georgiann Deckard of Billings; sister-in-law Britton (Aaron) Frisbie; and her many aunts, uncles, cousins and countless dear friends.
Kristi wasn’t done. She wanted to help people – it was who she was and what she wanted to do. True to her giving spirit, she was an organ donor and was able to donate her corneas to give the gift of sight.
The family extended thanks to the Billings Clinic ICC nurses for their exceptional care and the Blue Creek Volunteer Fire Department for their vigil throughout the night.    
Visitation will be held at Smith Downtown Funeral Chapel 2-8 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 26. Celebration of life service will be held at Big Horn Resort 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27.  Following the service interment will be at Rosebud Cemetery in Absarokee, Montana. Memorial contribution may be made to the Blue Creek Volunteer Fire Department.