Kari Li Gress, 75, Dickinson died at her home Friday, June 17, 2011. Kari Li’s memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at Ladbury Funeral Service with Pastor Scott McKirdy officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 12 p.m. until service time.

Kari Li Kuhr was born May 9, 1936 at Havre, Mont., to Conrad and Gene (Phalen) Kuhr. She grew up on a ranch near Havre and attended Chinook High School during which time she became the National High School Rodeo Queen in 1952. Following graduation she attended Montana State University for three years. Kari Li married Dean Armstrong in 1958 and later, in 1966, she married Ray Gress. Kari Li moved to Dickinson in 1966 at which time she began working as a book keeper for Stockmen’s Livestock. Kari Li also worked for Pepperidge Farms and most recently Experience Works.

Kari Li had a passion for helping others and the community. She was on the Board of Directors for the High School Rodeo Association, the Roughrider Commission, Dickinson Fair Grounds, Friends of the Library, and the Ronald McDonald House. Because of her love for horses Kari Li belonged to the DeMores Riders and Beef Country Riders.

Kari Li is survived by two daughters; Kim (Bruce) Birkeland, Baldwin and Heidi (Marvin) Zastoupil, Dickinson; two sons; Mark (Ruth) Gress, Dickinson and Mike Gress, Dickinson; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son Kipp, one grandson, Cole Gress and one brother, Dick. In lieu of flowers the family requests that a memorial be given in Kari Li’s name to: Ronald McDonald House, 609 N. 7th St, Bismarck, ND 58501.