Biography:

On December 9^th, 2025, Christopher “Kriss” Elliot Grant Beckner passed away peacefully in their home, looking fabulous and snuggled close to their beloved cat, Persephone. The world shines a little less bright without their sparkle and light. Kriss showed up in the world in many ways but no matter where you met Kriss or in what form, they were always authentic, true to themselves, and intent on loving the world and fellow humans they encountered every day.
         
 Kriss was born in Oklahoma and raised in Wichita, Kansas and was one of four siblings. In 2014, they moved to Arkansas and that’s really when Kriss’ life, as we know them, began to flourish. Kriss made many wonderful friends and found a “chosen family” within the LGBTQ community and beyond. You may have encountered Kriss in one of their many jobs at Barnes & Noble, Trader Joe’s, as an Uber driver or delivering your Instacart order, bartending at the Town Pump, or most recently assisting and supervising the front end at Kroger. But Kriss’ heart really shimmered when they got to spend time doing the many things they loved with the people they loved.
           
Kriss enjoyed spending time outside, when it wasn’t too hot, and loved to go camping and hiking with their brother, Benji. In fact, Benji and Kriss moved to Colorado together in 2021 and lived in Denver for three years before returning to Little Rock. Some of Kriss’ favorite places to visit were Devil’s Den in Arkansas, Red Rocks in Colorado, and camp sites in Wyoming. The two of them would spend “bro time” together, smoking the “peace pipe”, singing together and thrifting. Kriss loved to thrift and, for pennies, had the talent to take ordinary pieces and create a fabulous outfit.
           
Kriss enjoyed craft nights with their sister, Shawna, watching TV shows like Rick and Morty, Bob’s Burgers, or Stranger Things, while making jewelry, coloring, or painting. Kriss could knit a scarf, sew flowers on a boring skirt, and make unique necklaces and bracelets.
           
Kriss communicated every day with their partner, Ryan. Kriss and Ryan would share about everything, from silly jokes to politics, the books they were reading, to deep questions of God, spirituality, the universe, and the meaning of life and death. They loved to cook and enjoy wine together as often as possible. With a plate of gluten free Chicken Parmesan, or a homemade pizza, and a bottle of French or Italian red wine, Kriss was in heaven.
           
Our hearts are broken and we will all deeply miss the big and amazing personality that was Kriss Beckner. Their smile, their laughter, their blunt honesty, the way they hugged you really hard and loved even harder. Whether at a punk rock concert, looking for another plushie, thrifting, having a drink at the bar, making homemade dinners, camping, crafting, or chilling in front of the TV, if you were lucky enough to have Kriss in your life, you know deeply what a gift that was and how knowing Kriss made you a better human.
          
Kriss was preceded in death by their Grandma Beckner. They are survived by their brother, Benji, sister, Shawna, a partner, Ryan, and so many loving friends and acquaintances.
           
Family and friends are planning a casual gathering to honor and celebrate the life of this beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Kriss Beckner. May you know, eternally, how precious and unimaginably lovable and loved you are.