Marie was born on June 11, 1931 in Menlo, Kansas. She was Valedictorian of her high school class. She attended Fort Hays State University. She married James Leroy Kriss and they lived in Japan, while he was stationed there. Marie was Director of Marketing for Westin Hotels in Denver and Kansas City. She was the first woman in her company to hold this position. She was active in her HOA in Denver, serving as President and Treasurer. Marie was a published Author. She was a member of the Zonta Club in Colorado and Pen Women of Colorado. She loved playing the piano, working out, the Arts, cooking and entertaining.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton Grant Klaurens and Ollie Louise Klaurens; and her brother, Glen Klaurens.
Marie is survived by her sister, Vera Sloan, Bennington, Kansas; her son, Grant Stefan Kriss, Overland Park, Kansas; daughter, Jama Kay Kriss, Olathe, Kansas; grandchildren, Kali Kriss, Anna Kriss, and Grant Kriss; and great-grandchildren, Ava Greenberg and Stella Simons.
