Kristen "Krissi" Marie Darnaby

Kristen Marie Darnaby, Carmel, passed away August 22, 2025, at the tender young age of 43 years old.  She was born on September 23, 1981, to Robert and Susan Darnaby in Indianapolis, Indiana. Kristen spent her early years in Rensselaer, Indiana where she graduated from Rensselaer Central High School in 2000.  Following graduation, she spent nearly a decade in Chicago following her amazing talent and initial passion in fashion design. In 2013, Kristen made the leap to move to Birmingham, Alabama where she completed her nursing degree from Jefferson State Community College.  Eventually she made her way back home to family and friends in Indiana.

A beloved daughter, sister, aunt and longtime friend to so many, Kristen was a beautiful soul with a quick wit that brought joy to all who knew her.  She was especially adored by her nieces and nephews, who will forever remember her as “Aunt Krissi”. Whether baking together, enjoying movie nights, going on little adventures, or being spoiled with treats.

As a registered nurse, “Krissi” dedicated her life to caring for others, a career that reflected her deep compassion and generous heart.  One of her greatest joys came from being an animal lover and foster mom to kittens in need. She had a special gift for nurturing the smallest and most vulnerable, and many little lives were brighter because of her.

Kristen is survived by her mother, Susan (Lowell) Straw; father, Robert (Lisa) Darnaby; sister, Karen (Moises) Darnaby; stepsisters, Jennifer (Chico) Mbanu and Kelly (Quincy) Stewart; stepbrothers, Kole and Carson Risner; nieces and nephews, Lily, Landon, and Jackson Smith, Adanna and Akagha Mbanu, and Langston and Zora Stewart. 

She was preceded in death by her loving grandparents, Robert and Barbara Gadberry, Robert and Emily Darnaby, and aunt, Deborah Gadberry.

The family will honor Kristen’s memory with a private celebration of life in the near future, where stories, laughter, and love will be shared in her honor. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to your local animal shelter.

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.

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