Kirsten Ann Raley

Kirsten Ann Raley, 49, of Kathleen, passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Born December 16, 1976, in Louisville, Kentucky, Kirsten was the daughter of Arthur D. Geissler, III and Sherry Geissler. She graduated from Louisville Male High School in 1995.

Kirsten met the love of her life, Mike, in Oklahoma City. As a proud and supportive wife, she had a special gift for making every place they were stationed feel like home. Their journey took them across the country. In 2001, they moved to Anchorage, Alaska. It was there that they welcomed their two beautiful daughters. In 2005, the family settled in Warner Robins, Georgia. All along the way, she connected to people in way that made them feel special and made them keep in touch with her for years to come.

Kirsten had a creative spirit and a passion for making things beautiful. She loved crafting thoughtful gifts for others and enjoyed woodworking, floral pressing, refinishing furniture, traveling, and musical stylings, especially those of her Kentucky boys, Tyler Childers and Sturgill Simpson. Her creativity and generosity were reflected in the many handmade gifts she shared with family and friends. She also had a love of travel and she was at her happiest when visiting new places with her husband and girls.

Kirsten was an inquisitive soul who often joked that she was a certified cosmetologist, meteorologist, carpenter, electrician, computer scientist, virologist, or interior designer depending on what her fascination was at any given moment. The truth is she was more qualified in any of these roles than any of us would ever dare to admit.

She was whimsical, fierce, strong, loyal, and headstrong, with a loving heart and a beautiful soul. Above all, Kirsten was a devoted mother who opened her home and heart not only to her children, but also to their friends. Kirsten had a knack for making everyone feel welcomed, loved, and supported, and was quick to give aid and funny advice to anyone in need. Her warm and unique personality cannot be adequately summed up in words, but it brought so much joy and laughter to all who were blessed to know her.

Kirsten was preceded in death by her grandparents, Daymon and Wilma Edwards.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her husband, Michael “Mike” Charles Raley of Kathleen; children, Savannah Briana Raley (fiancé Jon Norton) and Kylee-Ann Hermione Raley of Kathleen; parents, Arthur D. Geissler, III and Sherry Geissler, of Louisville; siblings, Briana Abbott (Tommy) and Arthur D. Geissler, IV (Samantha), all of Louisville; as well as nieces and nephews, Colton and Brooks Abbott, and Ella and Quinn Geissler.

A celebration of Kirsten’s life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Gracie’s: A Rooftop Bar, 1056 SR 96, Warner Robins, Georgia 31088.

Kirsten was a lifelong fan of Dolly Parton not only because of her talent, but because of her generosity. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to give in her honor may make donations to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at donate.imaginationlibrary.com.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.