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BORN

1970

DIED

2014

KRIS CHAMPAGNE-VANCLEVE Obituary

KRIS CHAMPAGNE-VANCLEVE Kris Champagne-VanCleve, 43, of Las Vegas, drifted away Aug. 2, 2014, in the arms of her mother after a five-year cancer battle. Born Nov. 7, 1970, she grew up in a suburb of Detroit, where she loved to pitch softball. She graduated from John Glenn High School in 1988. The fact she loved being hostess led her to a career in bartending. She moved to Las Vegas in 1999 and continued serving customers at several local watering holes, including Dean's Den and Davy's Locker. She gave birth to her son in 2003 whom she adored and her focus never strayed from him. The brief time they spent on Earth together were the happiest years of her life. In 2009, Kris was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. She received chemo and was in remission. The following year the cancer metastasized into her brain and lung. After radiation, chemo and various meds to ward off the disease, it had managed to invade her body. Although the doctors gave her six months in October 2011, she fought the battle for nearly three more years. Kris had only one item on her bucket list and June 6, 2014 that list was checked when she met one-on-one with Coach Mike Ditka. She had waited 30 years to meet her heartthrob and her smile was bigger and brighter than we had seen in years. Kris will be missed by her son, Chance; parents, Brad Thomison and Dolores Champagne-Thomison of Las Vegas; sister, Kim G. Alexander of Las Vegas; brother, Rich Champagne of Michigan; many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was truly "Some Kind O' Wonderful." Kris was cremated Aug. 7, 2014. A private memorial celebration will be held on her birthday. In lieu of flowers, make donations in Kris's honor to Susan G. Komen of Southern Nevada.

Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal on Aug. 24, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
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My darling Kris, another year has gone by and on your birthday I want you to know how much you're missed and loved and thought of. It hasn't gotten any easier not to be able to talk and laugh and cry and enjoy being with you! Everyday has reminders of you. You are my special Angel. Love, Mom

Skip Champagne-Thomison

Mother

November 6, 2017

Hi Kris. Thinking of you & you cousin Lori always tells of the great times you & her had together. Much Love Uncle Don

Donald Baker

June 17, 2017

PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS

Valenda Newell

June 15, 2017

Happy Birthday my WONDERFUL niece you know we all love you & know you are in paradise with our Lord God. Your cousin & best friend Lori as I told you before shares with me of the great times you scamps had.I love you & will find joy seeing you again. Sincerely Uncle Don

Uncle Don

November 7, 2016

Kris, I just love saying your name. Not many days have gone by that I haven't spoken your name. I don't understand why it's still so difficult for me to realize that when I wake up in the morning I won't be seeing you that day. Please know that I am excited that I will see you again! I got you a birthday cake and will be sharing it with friends. I so wish you were here so I wouldn't be so lonely all the time. I'm glad, though, that you're not in pain anymore, but miss taking of you. I miss you're humor. Your bedroom is in Florida you know. I know you would like it.
Bob is wonderful and I swear, sometimes I think your soul stayed behind with him. He has become the most loving kitty. He loves laying in our laps. Of course, Ditka gives him a hard time but he holds his own with him. You'd be proud. I can't wait til the time we see each other again.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETIE!! I love you!
Say a Hail Mary for me please. When I pray, I pretend you're there with me saying it too.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
11-07

Skip Champagne

November 6, 2016

Your light will shine forever on those who knew and loved you. I never had a chance to meet you but your Mom and I were best friends in grade school before life took us in different directions. Because of her, I feel I know you too. With Love,
Linda

Linda Stormer-Colon

August 4, 2015

My darling Kris, I have almost made it through the day I have been dreading for awhile now. It's been a year since I've been able to hold you and look into your beautiful face. Everyday has been the same, wanting to hold you, talk with you, laugh with you and the longing hasn't gotten any easier. You brought so much life and fun into the house and I miss it so much. Kim tries to make me feel better and for a time it's OK. Your brother misses you too. The people for Coach Ditka honored you this year and plan to do so from now on. You are on his website and I'm so proud. You are important to them. I love you so much! Until we see each other again....

Dolores Champagne

August 2, 2015

Kris....Hi.Thinking about. Lori is always talking about the good times she had with you.
Both of you must have been "Lil Rascals" Love
Uncle Don

July 11, 2015

Hi Kris can't stop thinking about you. Everytime I hear the word Cancer I break down.Then I know you wouldn't want me crying you told me to smile more. You were my best friend as well as family. God no one could ever know how underneath that great and crazy sense of humor we shared a lot behind that there was a little girl who loved deeply been through too much too early as well as I can relate to that to. I really really want to pick up the phone and talk to you. Because I didn't see you before hand it is just hard to accept in reality. Anyway I Love, and miss you always.

Lori Baker

May 26, 2015

Hey Kris, Like the Neil Diamond song "Hello Again". When I get on the computer I take care of business and I keep important things in my personal folder. Your on that folder and always will be.
Love you. Uncle Don. Lori tells of all the good times you hsd together. Your mom and I are happy to learn about them. Love you......Uncle Don...

Don Baker

May 14, 2015

Kris, Sierra and I did the Komen Race for the Cure today, and we honored you as we did it. We all miss you! Virtual hugs!

Denise La Salle

May 9, 2015

Hi Kris; I just read the wonderful letter your wonderful sister wrote you.
You know your mom visited Florida last month. I hope to visit her this year and Kim (better known as Kimmie) You know that.
Love to you and will see you in my future forever. Uncle Don. XXXOOO

Don Baker

May 9, 2015

Hello my little sister. I've been wanting to pick up the phone to call you a lot recently and it really stinks that I can't do that anymore. I miss you and I love you. Hope you're having a great time in heaven!

Kim Alexander

May 8, 2015

Hello Kris.
I think of you. Lori always brings up the good times you and she spent together. She has her ups @downs but is doing pretty good. Love you. Uncle Don. "The Italians call me "The Don" HaHa

Don Baker

March 7, 2015

Say a pryer for me Kris. I am in the process of sending the songs our Lord has given me to every Christian publishing company in the United states & England. I'm also planning to go (as Willie Nelson would say) "On The Road Again". We all love you and I know you pray for all of us until we join you from this fallen world.
Love you Uncle Don

February 5, 2015

Kris, I just read the message from your sister'
It's great even though you are now in Heaven we all still have you in our hearts and souls.I'm still doing my music and I do sing for you. Love you,Uncle Don

Don Baker

February 4, 2015

Don Baker

February 4, 2015

Dear Kris,
Been wanting to talk to you a lot lately. I miss my little sister. Mom misses you like crazy! I do what I can to ease her grief but it will never go away. Not a day goes by that we don't tell a "Kris" story that makes us smile. We miss you and love you so much.
Kim

Kim Alexander

February 3, 2015

Hi Kris. You can see in your messages how many people miss you. Noone will ever miss you more than my wonderful sister (Your Mom)
I'm going to be doing a concert Jan. 8th & am dedicating it to you. When I was in your
home singing "Hoe Great Thou Art" there were tears in my eyes' They were tears of saddness & tears of joy. The joy is that you are now with God & your loving family will be with you at Gods' chosen time. Lori misses you very much. God has blessed you. Uncle Don.

November 22, 2014

Hi! It's me again found a letter I wrote you in 2012. Thought I sent it already. I was so upset that you didn't get it, but now I remember in the last few months I did get to tell you everything. I miss you, and will always be thinking of you went through your cards, and I Love you.

November 21, 2014

My Darling Kris, you are in my heart. It is safe there and full of love. I miss you so. Mom

Skip Champagne-Thomison

November 19, 2014

Kris,
There are so many childhood memories that I hold close because of you, I ate more candy then one boy should have, had some shoes that I so dearly wanted and that damn paper route………and the secrets we shared I still hold them to this day and forever will.
We grew apart but not by our choice then one October day many years later while I was driving you reached out and I was over whelmed with thoughts and emotions. You see I locked that time away; I separated the good from the bad kept what was important and simple let go of the rest and moved on with my life. One of the things I kept was you and the memories that I have.
I know you understand these ramblings and I am so happy you reached out and we were able to connect one last time. You are gone from this physical life way to soon but I am honored to be able to say you ARE my sister!
I refuse to say good bye but simply will say till next time.
Love David

November 7, 2014

Dear Kris,
Your Uncle Del informed me of how much loviing work your sister has done to make your celebration party a reat gathering with family & friends. I'll be singing the song you wanted me to. My love for you is an everlasting love. Your Uncle Don

November 4, 2014

There are no words that we can offer that will make this any easier. Know that each day something will happen, a smell, a song or a sound ... and that will be Kris letting you know that she is with you always and waiting for you in the eternal home.

Jeri and Rick Sylvestri

November 3, 2014

Although I did not know Kris personally, I know cancer and pain of loosing a loveed one. I am so sorry for your lossand wish I could take your pain
Bea DiBlasio

Bea DiBlasio

November 2, 2014

Kris, I will be over joyed to be with all of our family at your celebration on Nov 7th.
I will be singing your request "How Great Thou Art" & you are great. I will also sing
the entire "Tribute to the King" album for you. Mucho Amore'Uncle Don

November 1, 2014

Kris, I want to let you know, your loving mother is one of the (GREATEST) moms on this planet.Her sadness for missing you here on this planet, will turn to everlasting love& joy whenever she joins you once again in Heaven.I'll also join you in Gods' time. I love you! Uncle Don.

October 31, 2014

Forever you will be young! Love Lori Bye Angel.I will be with you in spirit.Until we meet again.

October 30, 2014

I Love you and you will always be special to me I Love you and Miss you so very much.You are so very beautiful Angel. I know you are with God.

October 30, 2014

To my Dear Niece. I'm so happy that I will be at your service Nov. 7th. I will sing to you your request "Amazing Grace" my mother (your grandmother) Grace will also be therei in SPIRIT! Your proud Uncle Don

October 30, 2014

Hey there my little seester! I'm pretty sure you're keeping up with your guestbook so I wanted to stop in and tell you that I think about you every day and I know you're watching over us. I love and miss you.
Your big seester~ xoxo

Kim Alexander

October 29, 2014

I still think of you & and happy you turned to the Lord God so you may now spend eternity with Him. Your Loving Uncle Don

October 10, 2014

Kris, you were the best cousin ever. You made me so strong and I'm so proud of you for fighting so hard. I love you so much. See you soon.

amanda baker

October 4, 2014

Kris, I know you know that the preceding condolence is from your cousin Dave Baker who evidently forgot to sign it. I know even though there wasn't a lot of visiting, he loved you and his words are heartfelt. I was just visiting your mom and sister the last 4 days and had fun and we talked about you. It was a great visit.

Uncle Del

September 29, 2014

Kris,I think about you all the time miss you a whole bunch you are the meaning of strength Love and kindness people should take after you. I know you are watching over all of us every day. You have that smile and the laugh that would put me in a good mood. I'm happy that you are out of pain but we all miss you. Chance is a very good looking kid but then again look who his Mom is. One day we will see each other again and relive the great times we all had with you. God took you not from us but to him for a reason. I'm very proud to have you as my cuz, I love and miss you very much.

September 25, 2014

"STRENGTH" The one word that comes to mind when we hear your name. We weren't around when you were growing up but were very aware of your struggles. We find peace in knowing that you are now at rest and free of all pain and suffering. You will be truly missed by your Florida family. To my sister, we are always here for you. Love, Uncle Dennis, Aunt Jill, Donnie, Deanna & Tiffany.

Dennis & Jill Baker

September 20, 2014

Kris, we burn a candle in your honor and memory, and also for your friends and family left behind, may they know peace at this time of loss.

Denise La Salle And Family

September 17, 2014

From the day I first spent some time with Kris, I knew full well that she was a wonderful and unique individual.
She had an instant wit and wry sense of humor that is so rare. Her expressive and darling facial expressions made her humor even more great. She made me laugh and laugh. It was at her baby shower and she entertained us all day – she just kept coming out with one funny line after another.
She loves her son Chance so much and will be looking down and loving him always.
Kris, you are in our hearts and thoughts everyday. We love you. Aunt Jean

September 16, 2014

Kris, know that you were, and still are loved by your family and friends. Now Chance has his own special angel watching over him. Hugs to your family and especially to your sister Kim.

Mary Hansen

September 11, 2014

Kris,
Know that You are missed very much. Your funny sense of humor and your pretty smile. You will always be thought of and never forgotten. Thank you for making me laugh and being my friend. The wine glasses pink lei and the book "Words for the Cure" you gave Me, I will always cherish. I miss you. Your friend, Rob Durazo

Rob Durazo

September 11, 2014

To my sweet sister-When God spoke to me and said " You need to be with your sister", I'm glad I listened and obeyed. When I got there I knew that time was close for my favorite niece. I was happy to spend some time with her while she was still aware of people around her. I ached to see you hurting for your daughter. I loved her because of her quick wit, her sense of humor, and mainly her irreverence. I was glad I was there when God said " OK little girl, it's time for you to come with me so I can heal you." Her face was so angelic and we all knew she was going to be ok. To my sister and niece Kim, I want to say how much I love you and support you however I can.

Your loving brother and uncle--Del
xxx000

September 9, 2014

Dearest Kim, and family,
While Kris is no longer with us in physical form, she will always be here watching over you. She worked hard to stay as long as she could and I know that she has earned her angel wings, and can imagine her halo slightly crooked and her grinning from ear to ear while she watches over you all. Please be at peace, knowing that she is free from the pain. You will see her again. I love you all!
May God bless you all and keep you and day by day lessen your pain of loss.

Denise La Salle & Family

September 6, 2014

Kris is now in the presence of the Lord God &will spend eternity in the Lords House.Though we were living miles apart, she was always in my heart. Our conversations this year (2014)were inspiring to me & through all her hardships
she was living proof of her love for her family. A happy event this past year was when she met her favorate football coach
Mike Ditka and there is a picture of them
together. I love Kris and I pray to see her in heaven. Sincerely, Uncle Don.

September 4, 2014

Rich Champagne

September 4, 2014

My Darling daughter. One month has passed and I miss you more each day. I miss your humor. I miss your presence. I even miss 'I ka doosh'. My daughter, my friend, my angel.
I'll be seeing you. All my love, mom

Skip Champagne-Thomison

September 2, 2014

I love you Aunt Kris, you were always super funny and bright no matter what. You definitely taught me that no matter what happens I can always still be myself.

Rachael Champagne

September 1, 2014

Funniest chick I know! Just reminiscing.....

Kim Alexander

August 28, 2014

Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Lisa Boettcher

August 28, 2014

Kim Alexander

August 28, 2014

I just wanted to offer my condolences in your time of grief. Kris was very special to me and will be greatly missed.

Todd Roberts

August 28, 2014

Dolores, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. When you look up at the night sky, watch for the newest, brightest star in the Heavens because she will be forever watching over you with love.

Linda Colon

August 28, 2014

My prayers are with you and your family Rich, and paying for a cure for the disease that takes so many much loved sisters, mothers and brothers. Hugs and kisses

Lynelle Bryson

August 27, 2014

Kris had a great sense of humorand that is how she handled her struggles. You will be greatly missed. It does not feel real I am overwhelmed with sadness as we were very close growing up.

Lori Baker

August 27, 2014

Kris, you were awesome, funny, and cool all rolled up in one. You will be fondly missed.

Sean Cross

August 27, 2014

Dee, I'm really sorry to hear about your daughter. I don't think there are any words I could write that would releave the pain. A women on tv today said it's time that heals. I came real close to losing my wife because of her cancer. Not once but twice . I lived with that pain just a short time. May peace be with you. Vicki & Ron Edds

Ron & Vicki Edds

August 27, 2014

Bev & Jerry Schmidt

August 26, 2014

Your spirit will burn bright in our hearts forever.

Kim Alexander

August 26, 2014

Kris it is hard to believe your gone, you have given the new meaning of strength and determination to your self and loved ones all around you in your life. No more pain, rest in peace, love ones will join you. You will be truly missed.

Bonnie Freeman-Brown

August 26, 2014

Marty Bliven

August 26, 2014

My dear little sister,
I can't believe I am leaving a message attached to your obituary. I still don't feel the reality that you are gone....it's not real! God wanted you sooner than we were willing to let you go but we take comfort in knowing that now you soar with the angels....pain free and cancer free. I love you, Kris, and I will take with you with me every day of the rest of my life.
Love,
Kim
xox

Kim Alexander

August 26, 2014

Skip, Kim and Brad, I remember the last time I spent with your family out by the pool, Kris came out and sat with us for a time. It was clear to me then how much she loved and loves you. Even though she was not feeling well and in obvious pain that day, she still wanted to spend time with family. May her spirit wash over you during your time of grief and may God bless you all during this time of sadness.

John Krason

August 25, 2014

Kris, our dear God Daughter. You will forever be in our thoughts. Love to Skip, Kim & Rich, and especially Chance.

Bev & Jerry Schmidt

August 25, 2014

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