Kristina McDaniel

Kristina Lynn McDaniel, a beloved daughter, sister, niece, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on July 2, 2025, at the age of 42 in Anchorage, AK from a traumatic brain injury. She was born on January 24, 1983, to Kim Dietz and Randall McDaniel at the Bremerton Naval Hospital in Washington.
Kristina lived a life rich in love, adventure, and resilience. Her journey began in a small town in Oregon, where she spent her early years with her dad before moving to Alaska, a place that would hold her heart forever.
She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Katlynn Rieth, and truly cherished her role as a grandmother to her grandsons, Salesi and Ezra Tauanuu. She was a proud mother-in-law to Charles Tauanuu, and her love for her family was profound and unwavering. She also shared an unbreakable bond with her sisters Brooke Loomis, Lorna Loomis, Sarra Cagle, Kourtney Gaussion, and Kerri Deitz.
She attended school in Oregon from Kindergarten through Ninth grade, ultimately graduating from SAVE High School in Anchorage, Alaska. She later earned her Associate's Degree in Accounting from the University of Alaska Anchorage, demonstrating her commitment to education and personal growth.
Kristina's career was marked by dedication and hard work, spending 25 years at C & L Enterprises, later known as 422 Inc., which she soon took over from her fictive grandfather, LaVern Thacker, ensuring its continued success and serving as a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit.
She was a proud member of the The Moose Lodge and the American Legion, Kristina was deeply involved in her community, exemplifying kindness and generosity to all who crossed her path. She had a passion for outdoors engaging in activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, clamming, and boating. She loved hosting family and friends, often showcasing her culinary talents through barbecues and home-cooked meals. Kristina had a special love for flowers and celebrated May Day with joy and enthusiasm, embodying the spirit of nature and community in all she did.
Not only was she a loving mother and grandmother but also a "Hostess with The Mostest." She had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome and cherished. Always willing to give people the benefit of the doubt, she approached life with an open heart and an unwavering commitment to those she loved. Kristina worked hard for everything she owned, and her legacy will be one of love, resilience, and dedication.
Kristina was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Marion McDaniel, LaVern Thacker, and Darrell Morton, as well as her Father-In-Law, Gary Allen Rieth. Kristina's enduring love will also be deeply felt by her Best Friend, Nellie Keller, and her extended family, including Aunt Dana Selliken, Uncle Mark Morton, Aunt Wenette Carlson, and Grandmothers Carol Olsen and Sunny James.
Kristina's life will be celebrated during a funeral service on July 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM at The Lakefront Anchorage Hotel on the 3rd Floor. In lieu of flowers and funeral arrangements, donations can be made via Venmo to Katlynn Rieth @katyrieth or through Cash App at $KatyRieth.
As we say goodbye to Kristina, we remember her as an amazing and caring person whose spirit will forever remain in our hearts. Her love and memories will continue to resonate within her family and friends, inspiring us all to live life fully and passionately just as she did.