Kristalyn Jeanne Frey

Kristalyn Jeanne Frey was joyfully welcomed into this world on February 5, 1970 by her parents Sherry and Charles Frey of Lafayette. She peacefully passed through the gates of Heaven, early morning, July 1, 2025, following a lengthy illness while being cared for at The Waters of Covington, IN. A long-time resident of Lafayette, she attended Grace Day Care, Durgan Elementary School, Tecumseh Junior High and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1988. During these years she actively participated in the arts and sports. She played trumpet in the Tecumseh band, was a competitive swimmer in high school, winning in butterfly competition. In track she excelled in sprinting events. A gifted vocalist, she sang in several choral groups and participated in First Edition while attending Jefferson High. Theater Arts played a major role in her life as she participated in plays, musicals and mime during her high school years. During summers she attended Camp Tecumseh for 10 consecutive years, was a life guard at the Columbian Park Pool and acted in summer theater at the park. Following high school graduation, she attended Ball State University for 2 ½ years before enlisting in the US Army and being trained as a linguist. She graduated in 1993 from the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA and was fluent in Russian, Serbian and Croation languages. In 1994 she graduated as an 'Esteemed Member' of the Military Intelligence Corps, Fort Huachuca, AZ. While serving in military intelligence she met and married Keegan Leonard. They served together at San Angelo Air Base in Texas, Fort Riley Kansas and Fort Rucker Al, they later divorced. Following her 'Honorable Discharge', Kristalyn returned to Lafayette and graduated from Purdue University, where she majored in Russian and Marketing. A move to Chicago provided a job in Marketing Research for Butterball Turkey, creating and analyzing product surveys. A job offering from University of St. Francis, Joliet, IL, meant a move to that city where she administered the online recruiting system. During those years she sang with The Sweet Adeline's of Joliet. After a few years, Kristalyn moved back to Lafayette, rededicated her life to Christ, became a member of Covenant Church and sang in the choir. Krista loved vacationing with her parents while growing up, visiting all the theme parks, riding the roller coasters with her dad, spending summer vacations at Myrtle Beach, SC, spring breaks in Mexico and Christmas breaks in Hawaii. Surfing in the Pacific was a favorite pastime while living in California. Disney World and Dollywood were among her places to visit as an adult. During the 2020 COVID Pandemic, the US Army recalled her to duty as a translator at New York Central Park Pandemic Emergency Field Hospitals. Her language skills plus the translation apps allowed her to screen people of all languages. As a case manager for Lafayette Transitional Housing, she helped find housing for veterans. She did short jobs for a few years as caregiver and was a companion for elderly ladies until her health declined and she struggled with illness and unable to work. Kristalyn is survived by her mother, Sherry Kemble Frey, Aunts; Amber (Denny) Rusk, Diane Frey and Della Dunham. Cousins: Megan (Brent) Creek, Erin Blaydes (Rachael), Dawn Coopman, Debra Frey, Mike Frey, Jimmy Frey and Billie Hicks (Bill). She was preceded in death by her father Charles E. Frey, Grandparents Aaron & Bernice Kemble, Rose Frey, and Uncles; Bob Frey, Jim Frey and Dick Frey. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 AM. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2025 in Waynetown Masonic Cemetery with Pastor Rob Eyman officiating. Military honors by the US Army and Post 72 American Legion Honor Guard. Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate is assisting Kristalyn's family. Memorials in Kristalyn's memory may be directed to Covenant Church Missons Fund. Visit us at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.