Kris "Krissie" Tina McDaniel

Kris Tina "Krissie" Fenton McDaniel, age 55, passed away at home on Sunday, September 1st, 2024, after a brave battle with cancer.

There is nothing that I can say, and no story that can demonstrate the wonder that was Krissie.  She was quietly the bravest and kindest person I ever met.

Krissie was born on September 3, 1968, in Culver City, California, to parents Dona Rose (Manning) and James LeRoy Fenton. She was the cherished baby sibling in her family. She grew up on the family farm in Burley, Idaho, where you could find young Krissie helping her dad on the farm and befriending the livestock, or with her mom when the chores were done.  Krissie shared countless cherished memories with her older siblings, Bobbie, Wayne, and Scott, with whom she had a close bond.

She relocated to Minneapolis as a teenager, where she graduated from Washburn High School. She went on to earn a degree from BYU Hawaii, in Office Administration.

Krissie endured a nearly 30-year career as a software test engineer eventually working as a project manager.  Her work as a project manager helped her identify her passion for helping others.  Later in life, driven by her deep compassion, she pursued a new career path, earning a master’s degree with high honors in Marriage and Family Counseling from Northwest Nazarene University.  She was passionate about helping people overcome trauma and fears, dedicating herself to making a difference in the lives of those she counseled.

On August 3rd, 2001, Krissie Fenton married the love of her life and partner in crime, Michael McDaniel II, in Washington state.  They met while working as software tests consultants in the Seattle area.  Their wedding set the stage for their life together.  There were unforeseen challenges that day (Blue Angels, late flowers, a late bride, a braying ass, a missing barbeque grill, and an unexpected intense rain shower), but somehow it was perfect and set the stage for their journey together.  Michael eventually dragged her back to Idaho where they built a house and wonderful life in Meridian. 

After many failed attempts and the heartbreak that goes with that, Krissie was blessed with two sons: Michael Dean McDaniel III, 18, who just started college at Boise State, and Ryan James McDaniel, 15, who has entered 10th grade. Krissie cherished her sons; she loved them deeply and unconditionally (regardless of their latest mischief).  She spent endless hours supporting them in their academic and athletic pursuits.  She will always be their loudest supporter.

Krissie’s friends will remember her as a wonderful hostess of some epic parties.  She loved having people over to the house and felt wonderful to know that everyone had a fantastic time.

Krissie was known for her deep passion and her need to help others.  She spent (too) much of her time worrying about others and trying to help.  She felt guilty every time she was unable to fix the problems of those she loved.

She loved playing games with her family, whether it was card games, or dice games—these moments of fun and laughter were among her favorites. She was "Aunt Krissie" to 16 nieces and nephews, who adored her for her fun-loving nature and the special bond she shared with each of them. She was known for her thoughtfulness, choosing the perfect gifts that made each person feel uniquely loved and valued.

Krissie was deeply loved by all who knew her. She will be remembered for her beauty, her ability to help others find peace, and for how fiercely she loved her boys, her best friend and husband Mike, and her family. She is survived by her husband Michael, her sons Michael Dean III and Ryan James, her siblings Bobbie, Wayne, and Scott, and her many nieces and nephews, who will forever hold her in their hearts.  Krissie is now reunited with her parents, as well as Mom and Dad McDaniel.

Krissie, we will love and remember you forever.  ❤️

Her family would like your help to honor her, swap stories, and remember her beautiful smile and infectious laugh, life, and impact.

Date: September 21st, 2024

Eulogy: 4:00 PM MST

Address: 2863 E Lucca Drive, Meridian, Id

Attire: Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear bright, happy, festive colors.  Leave the black in the closet, grab the feather boa and Hawaiian shirt.

Dinner and festivities to follow.