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.