Cristi Anne Nell, 64, of Northport, Michigan, passed away on January 10, 2024, at Munson Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on August 23, 1959, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Thomas and Marilyn (Ruof) Nell.

Cristi’s journey was marked by a myriad of talents and a resilient spirit. In her youth, she was a champion gymnast, earning a gymnastics scholarship to attend Memphis State University. After her time as a gymnast, she moved to Brighton Michigan and worked at Excalibur Restaurant bartending for 20 years. Cristi returned to her family in northern Michigan after her time downstate, where she seamlessly connected with the community of Northport.

Known for her warm hospitality and genuine kindness, Cristi excelled in various service roles. Notably, she contributed to the welcoming atmosphere at the Garage Bar and Grill, leaving a lasting impression on patrons as well as making friends with everybody she worked with.

She loved the Lord, Northport Covenant Church, Pastor Jerry and Bobbi Lange and the welcoming congregation who became her friends.

Cristi loved life and fought to the end. She loved ROCKS and rock hunting for Petosky Stones, loved being outdoors hiking, kayaking on Lake Michigan, in the woods with her son hunting, Bright Red Lipstick!, good food, her friends, and she loved her son and grandchildren immensely! Cristi spent her many career years in the hospitality industry and will be missed by many friends and coworkers from throughout the years. Cristi was a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend.

Cristi was truly blessed with her loyal friends Cathy Wells Kelly and her brother Pete Wells who were her guardian angels during her long illness. Their incredible dedication, compassion, and love were so appreciated by Cristi and her family.

Cristi is survived by her son Jeremy (Danielle) Cutsinger, her cherished grandchildren Liam Grant and Stella Grace Cutsinger, her sister Vicki (Alan) Craker, her mother Marilyn Nell, her brother Richard Nell, many nieces and nephews, as well as Jeremy’s father, Jerry (Diane) Cutsinger.

She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Nell, and her brother Jeff Nell.

Cremation has taken place and private family services will be held at a later date in the spring.

Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.martinson.info.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau..