Kristi Martin, 61, of Anamoose, died Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at the St. Aloisius Hospital of Harvey.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the First Lutheran Church of Harvey at 10:30 a.m.  Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church of Harvey; a time of sharing memories will be held on Friday at 7:00 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church of Harvey.  Burial will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery, Anamoose.

The Funeral service will be streamed live at https://www.harveyfirstlutheran.com/ you tube channel.

Kristi Kay Martin, 61, took her final breath at St. Aloisius Hospital in Harvey, ND on May 13, 2025 – the same hospital where she took her first breath on May 8, 1964. She was born to Arthur and Frances (Nitz) Prom and grew up in Harvey, graduating from Harvey High School in 1982.

Kristi attended Bismarck Junior College before following her dream and enrolling at Josef's School of Hair Design in Bismarck. After earning her credentials, she brought her warm spirit and sharp shears to salons including Kristi's Hair Hut, Dan's Barber Shop, Style Nook, and Mr. Curt's Stylists, where she formed lasting friendships with both coworkers and clients. She also worked part-time as an enumerator for NASDA, where she gained even more friends along the way. Kristi loved her work, but health challenges led to her early retirement.

In 1984, Kristi married Ryan Filler, and together they had two daughters, Cassandra and Carlie. They later divorced. On July 6, 2017, Kristi discovered fishing wasn't so bad – and that's when she caught Lyedell "Perch" Martin.

In 2016, Kristi was diagnosed with Idiopathic Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. Her journey took her to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and later to Apache Junction, AZ, where she awaited a lung transplant at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix. Prayers were answered on April 27, 2019, when Kristi received the gift of new lungs and a second chance at life. When signs of rejection appeared in 2021, she was placed back on the transplant list and received a second double-lung transplant on March 6, 2022. Though hope returned, so did the rejection in October 2023. Kristi, ever resilient, realized she was stronger than she ever believed possible. She faced the setback with clarity and courage – not quitting, but choosing peace after a long, valiant battle.

While Kristi was willing to share her disease and struggles, let's not let that be the only thing that defines her. Kristi was full of life and her family meant everything to her! When she knew she was going to be a grandma, she wanted to be called 'Grammy' because this was golden. She lit up whenever she talked about her granddaughter.

She cherished her Cedar Avenue childhood and the outside games they'd play with the neighbors until the streetlights summoned them home; summers at the swimming pool where she was later a lifeguard; trips to the West Coast to visit relatives; reunions at the farm with cousins on both sides and the traditional visit to Medora that began at a very young age. Kristi had pride in her hometown and loved planning class reunions. She had a passion for hot air balloons and dreamed of taking flight. Though she never got the chance, her spirit soared. Kristi's laugh was unforgettable – boisterous, unmistakable, and capable of carrying across a room. She loved telling jokes (sometimes forgetting the punchline) and often missed the joke herself until a beat or two later.

She loved John Travolta, puzzles, crocheting, camping, playing cards, and garage sales – attending and hosting. Kristi shared her time between North Dakota and Arizona. So many bonds were formed with the people in Sunhaven Park, and she held close the many cherished friendships formed there.

Kristi found so much joy in the time she shared with Lyedell. One of their favorite adventures was an Alaskan cruise with relatives. They treasured many camping and fishing trips with family and friends. Mornings often began with a cup of coffee and a competitive game of pinochle—the winner earning full bragging rights for the day. Kristi would want everyone to know just how deeply she appreciated all that Lyedell did for her and how much his love meant to her.

Kristi was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Prom, and her infant daughter, Baby Girl Filler.

She is survived by her loving husband, Lyedell Martin; mother, Frances Prom of Harvey; daughters: Cassandra Filler (Josh Steinert) of Wilton, ND, and Carlie Filler of Bismarck, ND; cherished granddaughter, Kambrie Filler of Wilton; brother Michael Prom (Brenda), Harvey, ND; sisters Sandi Brennan (Barry Hoffer), Detroit Lakes, MN and Nancy Pierson (Jeff), Ankeny, IA; brothers-in-law Bob Martin (Cindy), Martin, ND; Darcy Martin (Tonya), Grand Forks, ND; Dean (Jackie) Martin, Anamoose; Tracy (Maureen) Martin, Warwick; Tory (Lori) Martin, Anamoose; Darwin (Eric) Martin, Bismarck; TJ (Barbie) Martin, Anamoose; aunt Jane Nitz, New Berlin, WI; uncle Billy Nitz, Anamoose; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; Lyedell's step-children Shane, Michelle (Chad), Derik, Chad (Anna) and nine step-grandchildren.

Fly high, Kristi! Your spirit has taken flight – lighter than air soaring into the peace you so truly earned. May your journey continue among clouds and color, forever free.

Blessed be the memory of Kristi Kay Prom Martin. May she rest in eternal peace.