Kjersten was born in Seattle and grew up in the Bothell-Woodinville area. Music became much of the focus of her young life; she was active in the orchestra at Woodinville High School, Cascade Youth Symphony, and Seattle Youth Symphony. She also enjoyed literature, the theatre, and gardening. Kjersten received her bachelor's degree from Boston University and a master's from Portland State University. Most recently, she was principal violist at the Eugene Symphony, and performed with the Portland Opera, Oregon Ballet Theatre, and the Oregon Symphony. She was co-founder of Aurora Strings Quartet and also taught privately.
Kjersten will be missed by her husband, Collier Ellis, and son Christopher, her parents, Art and Joan Oquist, brother and sister-in-law, Eric and Noelle Oquist and grandparents, Edythe Whittlesey and Lester Oquist, as well as a large extended family.
