Obituary | Christal Kress of Joplin, Missouri

November 28, 1979 – April 24, 2025

Funeral services for Christal Kress, 45, of Joplin, Missouri will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Cheyenne Eagle Butte Bingo Hall. Burial will be at the Blackfoot Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the Bingo Hall. Christal passed away, Thursday, April 24, 2025. 

Christal Kress, born June 28, 1979, in Miami, Oklahoma, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and deep devotion to her family. She was the beloved daughter of Eric Theodore Kress and Carrol Pay Pay, and spent her childhood in Joplin, Missouri, where she later made her home.

Christal was a devoted mother to her two children, Lakeisha Love and Kaine Love, and a proud grandmother to her cherished grandchildren, Legend Love and Kimimila Love. She found immense joy in caring for others, working as a nurse’s aide, and helping raise her nieces and nephews with the same tenderness and care she showed her own children.

Known for her love of children, Christal’s heart was fullest when surrounded by family. She shared a special bond with her grandson Legend, often spending time with him playing Mario or simply enjoying his company. Christal also loved the outdoors—whether swimming or relaxing with friends at the river, she found peace in nature and joy in the little moments.

Christal will be remembered for her warm spirit, her fierce love for family, and the light she brought into every room. Her memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Christal is survived by her children, Lakeisha and Kaine; her grandchildren, Legend and Kimimila; her brothers Joey Johnson and Wambli Pay Pay; and her sisters Lara Kress, Indica Johnson, and Ala Kress. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Eric and Carrol, and her brother Justin Kress.

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