Kristina "Kris" Kae Brighton

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Ankeny Funeral Home with burial to follow at a later date.

Kris was born on March 2nd, 1952, in Algona, IA to James and Shirley (Garman) Knoer. She was the oldest of five children. After spending time in Algona and Ames growing up, her family moved to Ankeny, where she graduated with the Class of 1970 and met her future husband, William "Bill" Brighton.

On December 23, 1972, Kris and Bill married, and they had two children; Shawn and Celeste. She graduated from DMACC with a degree in Nursing and lovingly cared for many patients during her long career with Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. Her feisty personality was larger than her stature, and she ensured her voice was always heard if it involved something or someone, she cared about. She enjoyed quilting, traveling, fishing, camping, going to see live music, and spending time with her family and friends. She also opened her heart to several dogs who became loyal companions to her, especially after the passing of her husband, Bill.

Kristina is survived by her son, Shawn (Angela) of Ankeny, daughter, Celeste (Joshua Huber) of Des Moines, brother, Kevin (Saralyn) of Brooklyn, NY, sister, Kimberly (Anthony Mitchell) of Reston, VA, sister, Kelly (Scott Nielsen) of Mt. Juliet, TN, sister, Kathleen of Des Moines, IA, and her beloved dogs, LyZa Jayne and Moonpie, as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and parents, Jim and Shirley.