Crystal Lea Brightman

CONNER -  Crystal Lea Brightman (Russell), 43 years old, passed away peacefully on January 14th, 2024, in a vehicle malfunction accident in the company of her dear friend.

Crystal was a kind and thoughtful soul and will be missed and remembered by many lives she has touched. Crystal, everyone you left in this world hates that you are gone, but we are happy that you are home free and painless. She will always be remembered for her infectious laugh and her own unique sense of humor. We will always love and miss you until we can meet again.

"Fly high, my baby girl," love your Momma. "Love you to the moon and back," love Sam.

Crystal was born in Des Moines, Iowa to Sandra Lee Kratzberg-Hauf and David Michael Russell on February 7th, 1980. She spent most of her youth in Des Moines and Chariton, IA, and then moved to Conner, Montana in the year 2000, and was blessed with the birth of her only child and pride and joy, Samatha Jo Russell.

Crystal is survived by her daughter, Samatha Russell; her mother, Sandra Hauf-Kratzberg (Steve Roland); her sisters, Heather Jenkins (Jack Jenkins) and Sarah Hirmann; Seth Hirmann; her nieces, Cheyanne Russell and Kiahna Hirmann; nephew, Malichi Hirmann; uncles, Doug, Kenny and Stevie; Aunt Jennifer;   and multiple cousins that she enjoyed her youth with in Iowa and Missouri. Last but not least, her dog Gracie will forever chase her.

She is preceded in death by her father, David Russell; her nephew, Trevor Albrecht, whom she loved with her whole heart;l paternal and maternal grandparents, and cousins.

The family asks that a memorial donations be made to help Crystal's daughter, Samatha Russell, to help her build a solid foundation as she will have to restart her world without her mom. Donations can be made to the Bitterroot Federal Credit Union.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date as Crystal's mother is battling health problems.