Clear, 61° F
(June 24, 1973 - March 5, 2016)
Christine “Chrissie” Elaine (Wright) Rustad died March 5, 2016, at her home in Buffalo. She was 42.
Chrissie was born on June 24, 1973, in Silver Spring, Maryland, to Gary and Patricia Wright.
She moved to Powell in 1980 where she grew up and attended schools in Powell. She graduated in 1992. In high school she was on the swim team and took third place at state in the 100-backstroke. Her first job was working on the gym crew with her best friend, Becky, where they had to set up and clean up for all events. On her first camping trip at Pickett Creek, she stayed up all night because she was afraid that a bear would eat her in her sleep.
She married Joseph Gould in December 1993 in Powell and later moved to Boise, Idaho. Two sons were born to this union, Austin Allen and Dakota Cameron.
Chrissie became an office manager and bookkeeper, working at R & R Hardwood in Boise and the Prescription Shop and Knebel Body and Paint in Buffalo. Although Christine excelled at office management, she loved to cook and was often encouraged by family and friends to pursue a career as a chef. She loved party planning and decorating and was often asked to organize events at work and by friends.
Aaron and Chrissie dated in middle school and re-connected years later. They fell in love and were married on the pitcher’s mound in Bridger, Montana, on Aug. 16, 2014. She loved taking their dogs running and hiking while Aaron fished.
Chrissie loved life, she was boisterous, loud, energetic and a total neat freak with a heart of gold. You always knew where you stood with her. She deeply loved her sons Austin and Dakota and especially her grandson, Bentley.
Christine is survived by her husband Aaron of Buffalo; sons Austin and Dakota of Boise, Idaho; Doug of Powell; Jace of Sheridan; grandson Bentley of Boise, mother and father Trisch and Terry Foley of Powell; brothers Gary of Frederick, Maryland and Raymond (Paulette) of Hagerstown, Maryland; brother-in-law Rob (Amber) of San Antonio, Texas; seven nieces and nephews; her very best friend, Becky Bardwell (Eric) of Nampa, Idaho, and her best puppies Newton and Gracie.
She was preceded in death by her father Gary (1990) and stepfather Doug Keller (2001).
Services will be held at the First Baptist Church on Tuesday, March 15, with Pastor David Pool serving as officiant. Visitation will be from 1-1:45 p.m. at the church; services at 2 p.m. Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to Caring for Powell Animals, Box 504, Powell, WY 82435.
