Christine Venus Burton, 48

Christine (Christy) Venus Burton, 48, a bright light in so many people's lives, passed away peacefully at home in Butte, Montana, on August 17, 2025, from an extended illness. Christy was born on June 20th, 1977, in Deer Lodge, Montana, to Jenny and Gordon Jay Burton. She graduated in 1996 from Butte High School.

Christy had many interests in life, and one that brought her so much pleasure was photography. She had a wonderful photographic sense and learned how to enhance her images with Photoshop, making her photos look like oil paintings.

She always travelled with a sidekick; you would never see her without her dog. She has had cats of all kinds, including one named "Piglet" that even used to nurse on her ear. She had a love for horses from a young age and belonged to the Boots and Lace Equestrian Club, where she ran barrels with her horse "Dehlie" and participated in parades and O-Mok-See. She always had a love for horses and later developed a passion for riding her Harley Davidson. She became a member of the Tenacious Dames Riding Club, which is based in Montana.

Christy had a strong work ethic and was always an avid learner. She never lacked for a job and gained many skills throughout her life. She worked at a nursery, bartended, and went to truck driving school. She held numerous semi-truck driving jobs, include Schwans, FedEx, and Hoffman Construction. At Hoffman's, she drove one of their septic trucks; her favorite truck was a Kenworth, which she nicknamed Eleanor. She loved driving a truck and often talked about it after she had to give it up.

In 1997, Christy welcomed her son, Liam Doran, into the world while married to Kristopher Doran. Christy was very proud watching Liam grow up into a wonderful young man. Liam and wife Samara gave Christy two of her best gifts life can offer, her grandchildren, Emberlyn and Everett. Christy had the most amazing eyes and a beautiful smile. Emberlyn and Everett made her eyes sparkle, and she would grin ear to ear every time she saw them.

Christy met the love of her life and true soul mate, Mike Franich, while bartending in Butte. It took little time to realize they never wanted to be apart. On May 20, 2018, they pledged their hearts and promised before God to always take care of one another. All who crossed their path knew what true love looked like. Christy was welcomed into Mike's family, and her light and laughter shone through, making her so easy to love.

She loved wholeheartedly, and Mike was truly devoted to her. Through her illness, he never faltered. He ensured she had all she needed when she couldn't care for herself. She fought through her illness with Mike at her side until she no longer could. She left this world as a warrior with a heart of gold, straight into the arms of Jesus. She will be sorely missed by her friends and family. She is free, she has earned her wings, and we are breathing easier knowing we have her in Heaven looking over us.

Christy is survived by her son Liam Doran, daughter-in-law Samara Brunet Doran, their children Emberlyn and Everett Doran; the love of her life, Mike Franich; his mom, Michele Franich; stepmom Sharon Talkington; sister-in-law Candace Burton; sister and brother-in-law Kimberly Franich and Jason Murphy; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. She was especially close to her cousin Terri, who travelled every week to be by her side during the last three months.

Christy was preceded in death by her father, Gordon Jay Burton; mother, Jenny Twohy; step-father, Owen Talkington; her special dad, Michael T. Franich; brother, Gordon Eugene Burton; grandparents, Gene and Betty Burton, and Eugene and Carolyn Sue Richeson.

The family would like to give special thanks for the amazing care and support provided by Stillwater Hospice and to all of the personal care assistants from Montana Homecare.

Cremation has taken place. Church services are planned for September 13, 2025, 10 AM, at the Assembly of God Church in Whitehall, Montana, with graveside services at Fish Creek Cemetery and a Celebration of Life to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stillwater Hospice in Butte, MT, the Association of Frontotemporal Dementia (AFTD), and the Christian Motorcyclists Association of Montana.