Kristie Larsen

Kristie Kae Larsen, 62, was called to her heavenly home on October 30, 2024. Kristie was born in Marshalltown, Iowa on February 20, 1962 to Alfred and Marlene (Daniel) Kajer, she was raised on a farm northwest of Toledo, Iowa. Kristie enjoyed waking up early with her dad and sharing breakfast together. Kristie graduated from South Tama High School in 1980, continued her education, and eventually received her Master's Degree from Grand Canyon University in 2011.

In 1981, Kristie moved to Phoenix, AZ where she met the love of her life, George Ray Larsen. The two married on November 29, 1985. The couple welcomed Grant Leonard Larsen on February 9, 1987 and soon after Samantha Rae Larsen was born on September 2, 1990. In the last few years she had the privilege of meeting and getting to know her stepdaughter LaRae Chilton. LaRae and her family quickly became part of the Larsen family.

One of Kristie's favorite hobbies included anything and everything that her grandchildren were involved in. She treasured her time with Dillon (23), Bryson (22), Xyler (12), Charlee (10) Hayden (10), Emma (8) and Braxton (5). Grandma Kristie had a special pet tortoise named Voldetort who will live to be 150 years old. So in perspective, her pet tortoise will outlive all of us. Kristie's other hobbies included traveling to visit her mom Marlene Crabtree, sister Kim (Roger Junge) in Iowa and brother AJ (Susan) Kajer in Michigan. She also enjoyed large family gatherings and visiting nieces and nephews.

Kristie spent 37 years working for Christian Care Ministries also known as Fellowship Square, an organization that she believed in and served well. She was also a Rotarian for 8 years with the Sunrise Rotary Club. She served in many capacities, 1 year as president, as well as club secretary and leading and organizing community projects such as food for House of Refuge, feeding the homeless at Paz de Christo and other community projects. She tried to live by the motto: “Service above self” which was very evident with how she chose to live.

She was also an active member of Hi-Way Baptist Church in Mesa, AZ where she spent her time service on the finance committee, volunteering in the nursery, participating and leading small groups.

Kristie will always be remembered for her amazing hugs, gentle and generous spirit, bright smile, infectious laugh and radiant joy for Jesus. She will be missed dearly as a mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and prayer warrior.

She was preceded in death by her father Alfred Kajer, step-father Charles Crabtree and husband Ray Larsen, and niece Jill Nicholson.

A funeral service for Kristie will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Hi-Way Baptist Church, 10505 E. Brown Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 1:30 PM at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 85024.