Kristen Elizabeth Cabbiness' Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kristen Elizabeth Cabbiness, born on August 24, 1979, in Waco, Texas. Kristen departed this life on January 18, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. A proud co-valedictorian of the Riesel High School Class of 1997, Kristen’s academic journey continued with her graduation from Stephen F. Austin University in 2001 and a distinguished Magna Cum Laude achievement in 2002, where she earned double master’s degrees in Social Work and Psychology. She began her esteemed career as a social worker at Good Shepherd in 2002, where her compassion and brilliance transformed the lives of many in her care. Kristen married her beloved husband, Jason Cabbiness, on May 30, 2003. Together, they built a beautiful family, savoring moments of joy as they watched their children, Kinsley and Mason, thrive—whether cheering for them at baseball and football games or elegantly watching their daughter dance. A lover of the outdoors and cherished family gatherings, Kristen found joy in the simple pleasures of life, often embraced by the warmth of family reunions and Texas A&M games shared with her brother and sister-in-law. Her laughter, distinctive and contagious, will echo in the hearts of all who knew her. Kristen’s warmth and kindness extended beyond her family, as her colleagues at Christus Good Shepherd will remember her as a source of inspiration and support. Her creative spirit and willingness to lend a helping hand had a profound impact on those fortunate enough to work alongside her. She embodied compassion, and her legacy will live on in the lives she touched every day. Kristen was preceded in death by her father, Walter, and her maternal and paternal grandparents. Those left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband, Jason; their children, Kinsley and Mason; her loving mother, Gail Kuehl; her brother and sister-in-law, Kris and Sarah Kuehl, along with their children, Kyndall and Kyle; her mother-in-law, Carla Case, and her husband, Don; her father-in-law, Bennie Cabbiness; special cousin, Jeff McKinney, and his wife, Stasha, and their children, Cross and Cruz; her sister-in-law, Amanda Cabbiness, and her children, Katie Williams and Olivia Herndon; along with numerous cousins, aunts, friends, and her cherished social work family. To honor Kristen's remarkable spirit, a visitation will be held at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview on January 25, 2026, from 6-8 PM, allowing family and friends to share in remembrance and reflection. A celebration of her life will be at 2 PM in the Rader Chapel on Monday, January 26, with burial following at Judson Cemetery. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Christus Good Shepherd for their exceptional care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Kristen’s honor to the American Cancer Society, Spring Hill High School Pacesetters, or Legacy Baseball 10U-Brown. Kristen Elizabeth Cabbiness will be deeply missed, yet her spirit lives on in the love she shared and the lives she touched.
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