Christine Marie Neely, 45, of Crystal Falls, died Tuesday, February 12, 2008, at her home surrounded by loving family members after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born November 17, 1962, in Oak Lawn, Illinois, daughter of Frances (Schapiro) Martin, Valparaiso, Indiana, and the late Peter Martin. In 1986 she married Gary Neely in Burbank, Illinois. He survives. Christine was a loving wife and mother who enjoyed poetry and wrote poems for many family members and special events. She had a hobby of making crafts. Christine worked at the Iron County Community Hospital for a time prior to her illness. Survivors include her husband, Gary Neely, two daughters, Stephanie and Sarah Neely, all of Crystal Falls; her mother Frances Martin, Indiana; one brother, Steve (Karen) Martin, Alpha; and two sisters, Cindy (Bob) Norton, Chicago, Ill., and Julie (Chris) Gonzalas, Valparaiso, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her father and one brother, Peter Martin. Memorial services will be held at a later date in Illinois. Family and friends may leave tributes to Christine online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com The Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls, is serving the family.