Wenda Fern Peery Crist passed away on Sept. 13, 2026. She was born on Feb. 15, 1931 as one of twins to James Walter and Mabel Alice Wood Peery. This event was on her grandparents ranch (Ben and Myrtle Wood) Stevensville, MT.
Fern attended grade school in Stevensville and in her late teens,graduated from Missoula County High School in 1949. While there, she spotted a tall, dark haired boy she liked and later found out that this boy saw her in the hallway saying to himself, “That’s the girl I’m going to marry!”
This boy was Billy Eugene Crist. Dad taught Mom how to ice skate and she taught him to dance. They participated in various square dance exhibitions, one being in the old Etna brick school house in the valley
Marry her he did on July 11,1953! From that union they had 3 children Jan, Kimm and Morgan, who were the joy of their lives.
Everywhere Mom went she took her camera and carefully dated and labeled each picture.
The two most important things to her were family and her love of the Bible being baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1971.
JAN: Mom, we’ve had a wonderful life together as mother and daughter and close friends.
I always appreciated your positive, optimistic approach to life. You always woke us up for school with a cheerful smile, peeking around the door saying,” Good morning!” in a sing-song voice and the aroma of coffee and bacon wafting through the air. Underneath that calm exterior was a woman of steel. That’s how you outlived everyone. You always had time to spend with us and taught us good values. I am looking forward to spending more time with you in the New System serving Jehovah. Until then, love your Janny.
Kimm: My Momma was a country girl with fashion sense. Mrs. Cunningham and Betty Grable rolled into one. Whether the occasion was camping or dancing, she dressed for it. She hemmed, patched and sewed buttons, making sure Jan and I could do so as well. Meals were from scratch and we all did chores. Animals were a huge part of our lives. Dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, mice, fish and a bird. I recall her catching honey bees or spiders, putting them outside where they belonged. Mom was our family’s cheerleader. She encouraged us through life’s ups and downs. Her grand, great grand and great, great grandchildren brought joy to her life. She was such a kind,gentle person and I’ll miss her.
Kimm Morgan: We will see Mom soon when she is young and her mind clear and bright, instead of old and full of fright.
Megan: Soft hands to stroke little heads to sleep. A beautiful, dreamy voice to read bedtime stories. Always up for adventures in the snow, camping and exploring. Magical resuscitator of window stunned birds and bare-handed savior of bees trapped in the house.
Keeper of “the junk food closet.” Basically, way better than any fairy tale grandmother!
Once I asked Grandpa why he wanted to marry you. His eyes lit up as he replied,” Well, you see, she had spark.” I’m sure that was the short answer to a much longer story, but you did have spark, wit, charm and a wonderful sense of humor with a million dollar smile.
I love you Grummy.
Fern is survived by her loving children. Jan Crist Snook, daughter Megan Snook Miller (Nate), son Cody Snook.
Kimm Crist Crouch, son Dustin (Abby), Morgan Crist (Melissa) and son Joshua and numerous grand,great and great great grand kids, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Bill Crist, by her parents Mabel and Walter Peery. Sisters Elsie Martinson, Faye Baker and Marian Polette. Her son in law, Rod Snook.
Many thanks to her special caregivers and Hospice. We couldn’t have done it without you.
A celebration of life will be Saturday, October 31, at 2 PM in Florence at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Contact the family if you would like to attend by Zoom. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.
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