Christine “Chris” Cotton Vail

Our beloved wife and mama left us on June 10th, 2026, after losing her battle with cancer. She was born in Park City, Montana on Jan 5th, 1963, to Cy and Joanne Cotton. She was raised by Berrnhart and Ruth Deutsch. Chris is proceeded in death by her parents her sisters Marilyn Overturf and Carolyn Greub.

Chris is survived by her loving husband Bob Vail. Daughter Desi Powell (Mile City, Mt.) Reece French (Alaska) He two grandsons Leric (Leric man) and Lincoln (porkchop). Whom she loved verry much. Siblings John, Cheryl and numerous half siblings.

Chris married Bob in 2013, and they moved to Alaska where she was a branch manager for the Alaska Commercial Company. Reece moved to Alaska and worked with her and Bob.

Chris completed her college degree in horticultural in 2003 this was one of her proudest moments. She also worked at the Sheridan Home Depot for several years and many restaurants in Sheridan. Chris loved her job and the environment she was able to work in in Alaska her boss said it best in an email he sent out. Those of you that know Chris and the type of person she was and how much she absolutely loved her AC family and all things Alaska.

Chris was selfless to the least she did not want to be defined by her cancer diagnosis, and she did her best to keep her focus and attention on the store, her team and not herself. Chris was one of the hardest working store managers I have had the privilege of knowing and her dedication and passion for Alaska and the communities she severed are an example for others to live by. Chris’ toughness was unmatched, she would be embarrassed by this, but I must share, several time Chris would go to Anchorage for treatment and fly back home after her chemo and go straight to the store once she was off the plane. As she told me once, ” I have to check on the team” and they need me” She never had an excuse, she did not want help or pity, and she never let her diagnosis slow her down. We truly lost a champion, and she will be missed by all.

Chris had a laugh that was contagious when she would laugh before long everyone would be laughing. She loved animals and wanted to start a pet rescue upon returning home. If Chris seen anyone hurting, she would go out of her way to make that person feel better rather it be a bad joke or a box of wine. Chris loved fishing, the mountains and flowers. She will be truly missed by all that knew and loved her.

Please join us to celebrate her life on Sunday, August 30th at Champion Kane Funeral Home at 10 am with a reception to follow.

Online condolences may be written at https://www.kanefuneral.com/

Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.