Christopher Elliot Grant “Kriss” Beckner passed away on December 9, 2025, and his family and friends in Little Rock, Arkansas, are in grief. A life characterized by warmth, genuineness, and an unrelenting dedication to loving people around them came to an end when 33-year-old Kriss passed away quietly in their home, accompanied by the tranquil solace of their cherished cat, Persephone.
Kriss, one of four siblings, was born in Oklahoma on July 10, 1992, and grew up in Wichita, Kansas, with a mindset that valued individualism from a young age. They made the life-changing choice to relocate to Arkansas in 2014, which allowed their actual selves to develop in significant ways. Kriss experienced a sense of belonging that enhanced every part of their journey thanks to this move, which opened doors to close friendships and a loving chosen family both inside and beyond the LGBTQ community.
Professionally, Kriss engaged with individuals from all walks of life by bringing their authentic enthusiasm to a number of jobs. They drove for Uber, delivered Instacart orders, bartended at the Town Pump, worked at Barnes & Noble and Trader Joe’s, and most recently oversaw the front desk at Kroger.
The strong ties to family and loved ones that gave their days happiness and purpose were at the center of Kriss’s universe. They spent three years living together in Denver, Colorado, from 2021 until their return to Little Rock. They also went on exciting camping and hiking excursions with their brother, Benji.
Craft nights filled with creativity were cherished with their sister, Shawna, while daily conversations with their partner, Ryan, delved into everything from lighthearted jokes to profound discussions on life, spirituality, and the universe, often accompanied by shared meals and fine wine.
They took comfort in the great outdoors in locations like Devil’s Den in Arkansas, Red Rocks in Colorado, and campgrounds in Wyoming; they loved punk rock shows; they collected plush toys; and they loved preparing gluten-free meals that went well with French or Italian red wines. Kriss’s ability to transform ordinary situations into sources of joy and connection was demonstrated by these activities, which he enjoyed with loved ones.
Although their grandmother Beckner passed away before Kriss, they are survived by brother Benji, sister Shawna, partner Ryan, and a large group of loyal friends who made up their extended chosen family. Their genuineness, their fiery love and hard embraces, and the way they encouraged others to live more honestly and compassionately are what leave a lasting legacy.
