Kris Holder

Kristina 'Kris' Jane Holder (Schram) was born to Ralph and Roberta Schram in Hanford, California on January 12, 1959. She grew up in Southern California (Arcadia and the San Fernando Valley) with her parents, older sister Connie, and younger brother Dave. Kris, her parents, and brother Dave, also lived in Edmonds, Washington and Fairbanks, Alaska.

Kris attended Woodway High School and Edmonds Jr College (Dental Assistant Program). She was always very studious, analytical, curious, and extremely intelligent. In the early 80s, she moved to Fairbanks, Alaska to be near her family. She followed her passion for dental hygiene and was a Dental Assistant for Dr Veazie. She later became involved in foster care and established a career at the Fairbanks Youth Facility as a Juvenile Probation Officer. It was there she met, fell in love with, and married Bill Holder on April 1, 1992. Kris then became a stepmother for the first time.

Kris had a very fearless and adventurous spirit, and enjoyed many hobbies including a passion for fitness and body building, tropical travels, scuba diving and deep sea fishing, an African safari, all Alaskan outdoor sports, and hunting with her husband in Alaska/Wyoming/Montana. She also had a very nurturing side and appreciated the arts. Kris loved going to live shows (Las Vegas was her favorite), listening to all genres of music, while never passing up a concert. She was a proud Master Gardener and a Master Food Preservationist. She had a passion for giving back to others, and volunteered at Santa's Clearing House each year as well as a Bingo caller at a local Elder Care Home in Fairbanks.

Kris and Bill moved out of Alaska to travel in their RV throughout the United States while making and selling custom hearing protection for shooters, bikers, and factory workers - Warthog Enterprises. Kris enjoyed many adventures with her sister and best friend, Connie. They traveled, explored, and created many beautiful memories together. During their 30-year marriage, Kris and Bill also resided in Oregon, Wyoming (a state she loved), Montana (a place dear to her heart), and later in Arizona (enjoying their retirement dream).

Kris had many roles in her life, all of which she excelled at. She was a loving Wife, Daughter, Sister, Mother and Grandmother figure, Aunt, and Friend. Kris was a social butterfly and could make friends with anyone she met - her smile lit up a room. Even throughout her struggles with MS, she never lost her optimism, gratitude, compassion, desire to help others, and zest for life. She was one of the most positive people, regardless of her own battles she fought.

With a heavy heart, on July 12, 2022, Kris passed away at the Canyon Vista Medical Center in Sierra Vista, Arizona due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis. She was comforted by her husband Bill Holder, stepdaughter Claire Holder and step-grandson Cooper. Kris was fascinated with science and medicine, for what it had done for her, and could do for others. She was always proactive about giving back, and had a passion for helping others - especially those who also struggled with MS and terminal illnesses. Kris was accepted into the Southwest Institute for Bio-Advancement to further help research for others suffering with MS.

Kris Holder's family has chosen to have a private ceremony in the spring, to honor her legacy, and allow her to be the free and beautiful spirit she is. She is survived by her: husband, Bill Holder; sister, Connie Cimaglia; brother, Dave Schram; stepdaughter, Claire Holder (ch. Cooper); nieces - Emily Plourde (m. David; ch. Kaitlyn, Colton), Abby Schram, Candace Demas; nephews - Charlie Cimaglia (m. Halley), Eric Schram; sister in-laws - Judy Kelley, Brenda Luttrell; best friend, Brian Speer.