Kristen Mary (Dobbs) Ellison, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on July 11, 2025 at the age of 45. Her warm spirit, generous heart, and infectious laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Kristen was born on February 7, 1980 in Columbus, Ohio to Robert and Susan Dobbs. She grew up in the nearby suburb of Westerville, where she enjoyed an idyllic childhood full of neighborhood games, playing sports, and making lifelong friends. Kristen excelled as a student at Westerville North High School and went on to study business at The Ohio State University.

After graduating, Kristen moved to Chicago to pursue her career. It was there that she met the love of her life, Matthew Ellison. The two were married in 2005 and soon welcomed two beautiful children into their family, son Tyler and daughter Emma. As a mother, Kristen was nurturing, patient, and filled with unconditional love for her kids. She cherished every moment watching them grow.

Family was everything to Kristen. She made frequent trips back home to Ohio to visit her parents and siblings. Her children have wonderful memories of holidays, birthdays, and summer vacations spent surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, and of course, grandparents who doted on them. Kristen's house was always filled with laughter, delicious home-cooked meals, and togetherness.

Though motherhood was Kristen's biggest joy, she also enjoyed a successful career in marketing and advertising. She had a creative spirit and loved dreaming up innovative campaigns for her clients. Kristen formed many close friendships with colleagues through the years who will remember her as hard-working yet always fun to be around.

Beyond her professional talents, Kristen had a wide array of interests and hobbies. An avid reader, she was a longtime member of a book club with friends. She loved cheering on her Buckeyes and looked forward to Ohio State football Saturdays each fall. Kristen also enjoyed cooking, traveling, and spending time outdoors whenever she could. Most of all, she treasured quality time in the company of loved ones, listening and laughing along to the reminiscences and jokes that families share.

Kristen lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures. Her warm smile, kindness, and compassion for others will be dearly missed by her beloved husband Matthew; children Tyler and Emma; parents Robert and Susan Dobbs; siblings Karen (Jeff) Miller and Brian (Julie) Dobbs; and many more family members and friends and all