In Memory
Kristen Rose Chaney
September 25, 1972 ~ July 19, 2023 (age 50)
Kristen Rose Chaney, an inspiring beacon of light and love, passed away peacefully while at the Center for Hospice Care on July 19, 2023. Born on September 25, 1972, in South Bend, Indiana, Kristen lived her life as a testament to creativity, thoughtfulness, and friendliness. Kristen was a cherished and sassy daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Her parents, Elmer Dale and Joanne Marie Chaney, welcomed her with open arms and hearts, and she grew up surrounded by the love of her sisters, Tamera Lynn, Sheila Marie, and Angela Dawn. She was preceded in death by her mother, Joanne Marie, her brother -Daniel Dale, and her sisters, Patricia Jean and Elizabeth Cecelia. But her legacy lives on through her father, Elmer Dale; her sisters, Tamera Lynn McRoberts (Michael Eugene McRoberts- Husband), Sheila Marie Stanage (Robert Gene Stanage- Husband), Angela Dawn Chaney (John Lee Ross-Husband). Including in this circle of family was her five nephews & their wives with her great nieces and nephews.
Education was a vital part of Kristen's life. She was a proud graduate of Clay High School's class of 1991, where she began to hone her skills in poetry during Bonny Hoover's creative writing classes and the Clay Arsenal. Beyond the classroom, Kristen demonstrated a lifelong love of learning and a boundless creativity that permeated every aspect of her life.
Throughout her diverse work history, Kristen's creativity, thoughtfulness, and friendly demeanor were treasured by her colleagues and customers alike. She worked in customer service roles at the Potawatomi Zoo, Auto Zone, Strikes and Spares, and the Holiday Inn in Mishawaka, where she was a valuable member of the hospitality team. Kristen also served as a waitress at Bonnie Doon, infusing every interaction with her unique blend of warmth and wit.
Kristen's interests were as varied and unique as she was. As a Mycophile, or Morel Huntress, she found peace and joy in nature. Her love for the outdoors extended from angling in the lake and caring for raccoons to rockhounding for geoids and tending to her cherished frog pond as its Queen Peeper Keeper. She was a force to be reckoned with, throwing darts like mini harpoons and bringing a sense of camaraderie to every team she joined, whether they were bowling, playing billiards or darts. Creativity was the lifeblood of Kristen's existence. She was a master of mixed media with a paintbrush and markers, creating beautiful pieces of art. She was also a weaver of words, crafting heartfelt poetry that touched the hearts of many. Her love for country music was infectious, often sharing her vocal talents during car rides and karaoke sessions at the bar, her rendition of "These Boots Are Made for Walking" was a crowd favorite. Kristen lived her life outside the box, coloring it with tadpoles, glitter, and love. She was a beacon of positivity, her exuberance for life was contagious. She loved her family and friends deeply, and extended her love to even those she hadn't met yet. Kristen's dash was indeed filled with love and an unwavering spirit that continues to inspire those who were fortunate to know her.
Kristen is being cremated through Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer North Chapel. There will be no service at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 12th. The location will be at the Stanage house (52600 Helmen Ave., South Bend, IN 46637). Service prayers will be led by Rev. Drake of the Forestbrook Ministry Church at the Stanage house. Service prayers will start at 3:00 pm. The interment will start at 4:00 pm. For anyone who wants to send sympathy cards to the family, please send them to:The Chaney Family at 107 E 9th St. Mishawaka, IN 46544. For anyone who wants to send flowers or live plants, please send them to: The Chaney Family at 52600 Helmen Ave. South Bend, IN 46637. Sheila Stanage's address (where our dad is now living). As we remember Kristen Rose Chaney, let us celebrate her life by embracing her spirit of creativity, thoughtfulness, and friendliness. Let's keep her memory alive by living our lives with the same exuberance and love that she did. Remember, we are not saying goodbye to Kristen; we are celebrating a life well-lived that will continue to inspire us for generations to come. In tribute to her free spirit, sky lanterns will paint the sky at sunset decorated in pure Kristen style. We hope you will join us in releasing our sorrows and rejoicing in her new beginnings. (Weather permitting.)
08/30/2023 EJS
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