Grant Opportunities

With deep love and profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved angel daughter and friend, Krista Maria Moss, who left this world far too soon on June 28, 2025, at the age of 37.​

 

Krista was born in Joliet, Illinois and grew up in her early years through high school in the suburbs of various Chicagoland areas (New Lenox, Geneva, and St. Charles, Illinois). She was initiated at a very early age into running with her parents and immediately had an energetic passion for this activity. Shortly after, she started competing and entering road races with her parents. She ran several races in a competitive circuit and was awarded back-to-back Junior Runner of the Year awards in the Chicago area through one of the largest running clubs, Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA). During her high school years, Krista ran on the cross country and track teams. In her junior year, she qualified to compete in the state championship meet and then participated as a team member in her senior year. She challenged herself further and ran the Chicago Marathon in 2010, completing it very successfully.

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After high school graduation, the family decided to move to the South for warmer temperatures and to allow Krista to attend the college of her choice, where she could continue her passion for running. This decision carried her to Raleigh, North Carolina, where she attended North Carolina State University. There, she competed on the cross country and track teams, pursued a bachelor’s degree in Communication with minors in Coaching Education and Psychology, and graduated in May 2011. She was recognized for many accomplishments during her time at NC State, including Scholar Athlete, Regional Performer, Academic All-Conference, Varsity Letter Winner, and Dean’s List.

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While at NC State, Krista joined Sigma Alpha Omega, a Christian sorority that became a cornerstone of her life. Through this sisterhood, she formed enduring friendships—true bonds that brought her joy, strength, and love. Though she was an only child, Krista was anything but alone; her sisters in faith became family in every sense of the word.

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Krista’s passion for movement, a healthy lifestyle, and mentorship led her to coach cross country and work as a personal trainer, inspiring countless others with her dedication, encouragement, and contagious energy. This passion and expertise resulted in various jobs, starting with Life Time Athletic where she taught sports and fitness classes, including soccer and yoga, for children ages 3-11 with an emphasis in good sportsmanship and play. She worked at Cary Academy High School as an Assistant Varsity Track and Cross County Coach for about 8 years with a big emphasis on team camaraderie and unity. She designed and implemented strength routines for performance enhancement and injury prevention to be better prepared for the state championship team and state runners up. Krista also worked at other companies as a personal trainer.

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Krista was introduced at the age of 5 to the wonderful world of Disney. The family vacationed a number of times to the various theme parks, and all became avid fans of this magical world of fun! In the Summer of 2011, she was hired for one of her favorite dream jobs at a beloved vacation spot—a Cast Member at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. She worked as a merchandise cast member on WDW’s Cru summer project with a focus on international students and ministry. She greeted and assisted guests while working at the largest gift and souvenir shop in the Magic Kingdom: The Emporium. She received “Fanatics” cards from her supervisors for going above and beyond, and she created a positive image and energy by treating all guests with respect.

 

In 2017, she found another cherished circle of friendship with three dear friends, affectionately calling themselves The Llamas—a sisterhood full of laughter, love, and deep connection.

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Nature was Krista’s happy, joyful, and playful place. Whether hiking, running, or simply soaking in the beauty of a Fall Day—her favorite season—she thrived outdoors. She especially enjoyed apple-picking adventures with her mother and embraced the magic of Christmas with childlike wonder year after year. Krista and her mother were inseparable, and they loved spending quality time with each other! Cherished activities included going to a good movie, attending live concerts, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, biking, cooking favorite meals together, going out for breakfast/brunch, shopping (especially Black Friday, which became an every-year tradition), drinking lattes, playing badminton, running together, enjoying dessert, spending time at the gym, movie nights at home, laughing, taking lots of pictures (especially selfies), and giving hugs every day. She loved her dog, Sparky, and had many fun times while he was in the family’s lives.

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Krista is survived by her parents, Mary Moss and Gary Moss, as well as a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were forever touched by her kindness, humor, and light. Her parents exposed to her a lot of family love and instilled good morals and values to live by while taking her all over the country for special vacations such as Disney World, California, Siesta Key Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands. These times and memories will be cherished forever.​

 

To know Krista was to be welcomed, encouraged, and loved unconditionally. Her presence in our lives was a gift we will always treasure. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, faith, and connection that will continue to live on in all of us. She never gave up on God during her battle.. she was a true Warrior!​

 

"She fought the good fight, she finished the race, she kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7

"If you have the power to make someone happy, DO IT, the world needs more of that.”