Kristina Gladstone

Kristina Linn Gladstone
Of Lansing, MI, formerly of Holt, passed away unexpectedly on July 8, 2025, at the age of 38. She was born on June 29, 1987, in Lansing, the beloved daughter of Troy and Linn (Darling) Gladstone.
Kristina was raised in Holt, graduating from Holt High School in 2005 where she set goalkeeping records for the soccer team and performed in the marching and concert bands playing saxophone, bass clarinet and as a member of the drum line.
After high school, Kristina attended Aquinas College, where she continued playing soccer, setting more school records in goalkeeping and earning All-American honors. She also excelled academically, earning her bachelor’s degree in just three years. She went on to complete Officer Candidate School and proudly served in the United States Navy. Her military service included assignments in command and control, with deployments to Afghanistan (twice), Kuwait, and a station in Yokosuka, Japan.
Kristina loved learning, earning two master’s degrees; one from Southern New Hampshire University while deployed and another from Simmons College in Boston. At the time of her passing, she was working at Raytheon Technologies, a defense contract company while continuing to serve in the US Navy Reserves.
She was a devoted granddaughter, daughter, sister, aunt, and niece, who deeply cherished her family and friends. Kristina was an avid reader, a gifted writer, a lover of Legos, paint by color phone games and watching ghost-hunting shows with her dog Reign. Known for her generosity and compassion, Kristina’s final act was one of selflessness, donating her organs so that others might live longer, healthier lives.
She is preceded in death by her Aunt Deanna Darling. She is survived by her parents, Troy and Linn Gladstone; sister, Rachel (Charlie) Wesley; grandparents, Bary and Lorelei Darling and Albert Gladstone; her nephews, Jacob and Nathan Wesley, whom she adored; aunts and uncles, Marsha Sharrah, Ben Darling, Blair (Phyllis) Darling and Lowell Sharrah; cousins, Andrew (Danielle) Sharrah, Brooke (Dave and family) Locher, John (Katie and family) Sharrah, Cole (Allie and family) Darling, Blake (Shayna) Darling, Caleb (Alexis) Sharrah, Grace Darling and Max Darling; plus numerous extended family members, and dear friends around the world.
A celebration of Kristina’s life will take place on Friday, July 18, 2025, at University United Methodist Church in East Lansing. The family will receive visitors starting at 1:00 p.m., with a remembrance homily starting at 2:00 p.m., followed by light refreshments. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the USO. To share memories or offer condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.