of Dunning, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at her home after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born Jan. 8, 1963, in Geneva, to Darrell and Sharleen (Behmerwohld) Bentley. She grew up in the Sandhills and all over Nebraska attending school, and graduated from Callaway High School in 1981. She began her nursing career at the age of 14 and later received her CNA license. Cris attended college in North Platte and Grand Island where she received her LPN license in 1997. She started her career in Callaway and served many years as a traveling nurse throughout the state. She had a big passion for helping the elderly, as she was a big advocate and ambassador for them. After working 13 years as the MDS Coordinator at Good Life Center in Callaway, Cris retired due to health issues.

Cris was blessed with a daughter, Danielle, in 1982, and later was united in marriage to Michael Potter on Aug. 13, 1983. They had a son, Justin, before divorcing in 1994. Cris met and later married Monte Sierks on Nov. 21, 1998. She welcomed Sophia and Brady into her family. Cris had a lot of love for family, especially her children and grandchildren. She would attend their events as often as possible.

During her younger years, she was in 4-H where she sewed her outfits, showed calves and horses. Cris absolutely loved the outdoors, especially camping and fishing. She never left a lure behind! She had a big love for the ranch life. Cris enjoyed traveling, gambling, and hunting for antiques. She was also very proud of her sobriety of 31 years on the day of her passing.

She is survived by her husband, Monte Sierks of Dunning; children, Danielle (Steve) McAuliff of Litchfield, Justin (Stephanie) Potter of Merna, Sophia (Jason) Held of Dunning, and Brady (Marquita) Sierks of Fullerton; grandchildren, Lyndsie and Kinzlie McAuliff, Tenley and Kyler Potter, Ella, Tyla, and Livia Held, Rainna, Lyla and Ezra Sierks; parents, and Sharleen (Walter) Stivers of Callaway; siblings, Patrick (Janet) Bentley of Bruning, Korrena (Casey) Jones of Ansley, and Tonia (Kevin) Gleason of Grand Island; sisters-inlaw, Sandra Sierks of Hay Springs and LaTonne (Jim) Davis of Ainsworth; brother-in-law, Tim (Annette) Sierks of Brewster; mother-in-law, Doris Sierks of Dunning; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Cris was preceded in death by her father, Darrell Bentley; brother-in-law, Kent Sierks; and father-inlaw, Tom Sierks.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, March 22, at Sandhills High School in Dunning. Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow was honored to serve the family. Online words of remembrance or condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com Memorials may be made to the family with later designation.