Obituary for Kristy J. Cuttle

Kristy Jo Cuttle (Van Allen), age 53, of Lyons, passed away on April 13, 2026, at her beloved home on the river. She was born on July 20, 1972, in Lansing, Michigan, where she was raised, and then set off on an adventure of a lifetime

Kristy was truly a force to be reckoned with. Wise beyond her years, she was a safe place for others from a very young age. She cared deeply for her family and friends and had a rare gift for lifting others up, even if she initially came off as “hard”. She would give the shirt off her back, listen without judgment, and stand by the people she loved through every season of life. She was proud of her Viking heritage, wisdom of life, and the everlasting connections she made in her 53 years on this earth.

Music was woven into the fabric of Kristy’s life. Raised in a musically inclined environment, she developed a deep love for it early on. She was a first-chair trumpet player throughout her school years and earned a college scholarship to Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp for her talent. That passion never faded—she was always listening to music, playing guitar, attending concerts, and jamming with friends.

Kristy also had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. She loved riding on the back of her dad’s Harley, fishing, camping, pontoon rides, gardening, and especially spending time in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where she enjoyed fresh trout and salmon. She was creative and artistic in every sense—whether scrapbooking, drawing, crafting, designing her home, or participating in craft shows. She loved to create—and create she did.

Kristy built a beautiful life and family with her husband, Michael Cuttle, whom she married in September 2000. Her children, Aaron Michael and Arik Bradley Van Allen-Cuttle, and Nicole Ann Stemen, were her greatest pride and joy. Through every challenge, she persevered and raised her children into strong, capable adults who share the same love of music and compassionate nature. She shared a particularly special bond with her son Aaron, serving as his devoted caregiver and constant source of love and support. She was, without question, his favorite person.

Kristy was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Cuttle; her parents, Jeffrey and Ann (Herblet) Van Allen; and her sister, Shana Van Allen. She was also preceded in death by her extended family on Michael’s side, including her father-in-law, Kim Cuttle; mother-in-law, Connie (Don) Skinner; brother-in-law, Scott Cuttle; sister-in-law, Amber Cuttle; and many close friends with whom she's now reunited.

She is survived by her loving partner of 11 years, John Proctor, and his family; her children, Aaron Van Allen-Cuttle of Lyons, Arik Van Allen-Cuttle (Kathryn) of Sunfield, and Nicole (Jonathan) Stemen of Portland. She also leaves behind her cherished granddaughters, Chevelle Nicole Stemen and Genivieve Christine Van Allen-Cuttle, whom she adored wholeheartedly. She loved being “G” and watching her babies grow. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends, including Autumn (Curt) Simmon of Fowler, Michigan.

Kristy wished to be cremated, and a celebration of life will be held this summer. In true Kristy fashion, she wanted her loved ones not to mourn in sadness, but to gather, share stories, listen to great music, and celebrate the life she lived and the love she gave.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant a lasting flower or tree in her memory, start a garden, or simply think of her when you hear a great song, share a laugh, or persevere through the rollercoaster we call life.

Any donations to assist with final expenses may be made by contacting her daughter, Nicole Stemen, and would be extremely helpful."