Kristine M Haley

Kristine “Kris” Haley, 69, a long-time resident of Clinton, TN, passed away on October 24, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was the beloved wife of the late Ken Haley and mother of the late Michael Haley. Born on August 8, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, Kris lived a life defined by unwavering love, tireless advocacy, and deep devotion to her family. When Kris and her sisters were very young, their mother died of the same genetic kidney disease that Kris had. Kris, being the eldest, stepped into the role of Mom to her younger sisters and began the role of care-giver, a role that would be hers for the rest of her life.

Before becoming a mother, Kris worked as a billing coordinator for Pilot Oil. Following her first kidney transplant, she transitioned into a role that reflected her compassionate spirit—working in patient advocacy at the University of Tennessee Kidney Transplant Center. Her professional path was marked by resilience and care, but it was her role as a mother that truly defined her life.

Kris and Ken became parents in 1987 when Michael was born. At age 4 months, Michael was stricken with meningitis and left permanently disabled. Kris’s greatest joy and most cherished responsibility was being a mom to her son. Her face lit up with pride when she was with Michael and when she talked about Michael. She dedicated herself fully to his care and happiness—coordinating his education, medical needs, activities, and support systems with unmatched commitment. Every moment of every day was spent advocating for Michael’s well-being. Together with her beloved husband Ken, Kris embraced life’s challenges with courage and grace. The trio shared countless joyful experiences through specialized events for individuals with special needs—skiing down snowy slopes or gliding across lakes in adaptive water sports—always surrounded by a community that understood and supported their journey.

Family traditions were the heartbeat of Kris’s world. She treasured the annual ritual of cutting down the Christmas tree, she loved Thanksgiving weekend and the togetherness it brought, she loved boating and the family houseboat on Norris Lake, she loved the University of Tennessee Volunteers, she loved the beach, she loved living on the river, and she loved going to family cookouts filled with laughter and love. One of her most favorite memories was when she and Ken took Michael to Nashville to attend a Jimmy Buffett concert. She and Ken were huge fans and getting to share the joy and experience of an in-person concert with Michael was a dream come true. Time spent with family—whether immediate or extended—was sacred to her. These moments were not just events on a calendar; they were expressions of connection and joy that she nurtured throughout her life.

Kris faced more than her fair share of hardships—health challenges, personal losses—but she met each one with remarkable strength. Like the Energizer Bunny she was often compared to, she kept going no matter what came her way. Her faith never wavered; her determination never faltered; and through it all, she remained a beacon of hope and love to those around her.

Kris is survived and was supported by many who loved her deeply: her sister and brother-in-law Lisa and Greg King; her niece and bonus-daughter Amanda Bell; Amanda’s children—Carolina, Piper, and Paxton—whom Kris adored and considered her bonus-grandchildren; her brother-in-law, Darryl Haley and her sisters-in-law Kathy Goldstein, Debbie Haley (Darryl's wife), and Sharon Haley; and numerous nieces and nephews who held special places in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Helen Kornblum; her beloved husband Ken Haley, who passed away in November 2024; her precious son Michael, who died just three days before Kris; as well as brothers-in-law Barry Goldstein and Doug Haley.

Kris’s legacy is one of fierce love, enduring strength, and boundless generosity of spirit. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her—and especially in the traditions she so lovingly upheld.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Life will be held on December 6, 2025, from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM at Click Funeral Home, 9020 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923. The family will receive friends from 2-3 pm with a Celebration of Life service at approximately 3 pm. This will be a joint service for Kris and Michael.
Donations in memory of Kris may be made to the National Kidney Foundation: https://kidneytribute.rallybound.org/KristineHaley

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