Kari Lee Cash

God took another angel home. Kari Lee Cash, 59, died peacefully on May 1, 2015, at her home surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. Celebration of Life for Kari will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 8, at the Kirkwood Funeral Home in Malta, MT. Cremation has taken place. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com.

Kari was born March 3, 1956 in Havre, MT to Glen and Maxine Lovejoy. Kari attended schools in Loring and Great Falls, graduating in 1974 from Centerville High School. Kari earned her Associates Degree as an RN in nursing in 1978 and in 2006 went back to school to further her nursing career receiving her Bachelor of Science degree. Kari was one of few to attend college at the same time as her mother.

Kari's passion was people. Whether it be caring for them or her amazing way she connected with patients both young and old. Kari was a caregiver, in every sense of the word. Kari was involved in nursing for most all her life, working for Harlem Nursing Home, Havre Hospital, Phillips County Hospital, and Phillips County Good Samaritan, with the "Good Sam Crew". She also worked for Indian Health Services in Lame Deer (Clinic and ER Director), Crow Agency, and in Blackfoot, ID and since 2008 as Clinical Care Coordinator of the VA Clinic in Billings.

In 1979 Kari married Dave Murphy. They had one daughter, Tasha and later divorced. In 1997 after a whirlwind romance Kari married Ed Cash, who was her rock and remained by her side, through thick and thin they remained steadfast. Kari was always at her best when surrounded by friends and family. Be it the wagon train or a jam session she loved every minute and everyone. Kari loved spending time with her extended family. First it was cheering for Tasha at Boots and Saddles, and on to all her other sports. Kari encouraged and cheered on many a kid, but when it came to watching Rylee and Shaylee that's when she was the proudest. We will all miss her infectious laugh and "words of wisdom" that she was never afraid to offer.

Preceding Kari in death were her loving mother, Maxine Schwartz, grandparents Ernest "Cy" and LaBonna Lovejoy, Max and Alice Trottier; Rena Crasco-Florcik and Scott Moore.

She is survived by her husband, Ed; her daughter, Tasha (Jason) Hines, most cherished her granddaughters Rylee and Shaylee; Father Glen Lovejoy, adopted sister Dixie Moore and family, Aunts Arlene (Babes) Crasco and family, Candee Baker and family, Uncle Will Crasco; and numerous cousins.

Kari Lee,

Together through life we walked hand in hand, side by side.

We took on everything life could throw at us, good and unkind.

I carried her when she was weak; she led me when I was blind.

Until death did we part; we walked together hand in hand, side by side.

Love Forever, Ed