Prairie State Wire

Joliet, IL - Kimberly Ann Crist, 61, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones and friends in Joliet, Illinois. Born on November 27, 1963, into a military family, Kim's adventurous spirit and love for travel were rooted in her upbringing, having lived in multiple countries and experiencing diverse cultures. Kim graduated from Elmhurst College in 1985 and pursued her dream job as an international flight attendant with ATA, exploring over 87 countries and embracing life to the fullest.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kim's vibrant spirit, easy laugh, and illuminating personality made her the life of the party, always ready with a joke or engaging story. After her time at ATA, Kim transitioned into senior care, bringing her dedication and compassion to improve the lives of residents and families. Her proudest achievement was her daughter, Margot, a successful senior at Illinois Wesleyan University.

Throughout her life, Kim faced challenges with courage, strength, and grace, inspiring those around her with her resilience and unwavering spirit. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched with love, laughter, and loyalty.

Kim is survived by her mother, Nancy Crist, brother John Crist, and sister Ellen Schaff. She is preceded in death by her father, Jerry Crist, and sister-in-law, Laura Crist.

A memorial service will be held on August 16, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Anderson-Goodale Memorial Homes in Plainfield, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Naperville Humane Society are encouraged, with physical items such as cat litter, bleach, paper towels, Hills Science Diet Adult Dog Food, and Fancy Feast wet or canned cat food also welcomed at the memorial service.

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