Monmouth County-raised Kristin “Kris” Welker passed away on Friday, June 21. She was 43.

“Born in Freehold, Kris was raised in Monmouth County, then moved to Southern Florida where she spent much of her life. An adventurous soul, Kris deeply loved seeing the world, traveling extensively and valuing her time in special places like Hawaii and Australia, and anywhere she could dip her toes in the ocean, always cherishing the beach and keeping it close to her heart. Kris’ kind and loving heart overflowed with devotion to animals. Not only did she have many pets, such as dogs, ducks and horses, throughout her life, Kris also often volunteered her time and energy with animal rescues. Many of her cherished furry companions have crossed the rainbow bridge to await her warm embrace, including Sierra, Tootsie, Randy, Chloe the St. Bernard, Shrek the Great Dane and Mogli the English Bulldog, who crossed just a few short days before Kris.”

Loved ones of Kris Welker in her obituary

Kris is survived by: her loving and devoted parents, Arlene LaVergne and Donald Welker and their spouses, Pamela Welker and Dean LaVergne, her cherished brother, Jeffrey Welker and his wife, Allison, as well as her beloved niece and nephew, Caylie and Ryan; her Aunt Kathleen and Uncle Frank LaCorte; her Uncle Tom and Aunt Carol; her cousins, Paul, Michael and Jennifer; her step-sisters, Susan, Jennifer and Samantha and her step-brother, Robert; as well as an extended family of people and friends who loved her.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, June 28th at John E. Day Funeral Home in Red Bank, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. with a prayer service and eulogies beginning at 6:30.

In honor of Kris’ love for all animals great and small, donations may be made in her memory to LaMancha Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 656, Unionville, PA 19375 or online at https://www.lamanchaanimalrescue.org/donate