Alissa Marie Cumpston of Scottsdale, AZ, passed away peacefully on August 9th at the age of 37 surrounded by her family and showered with love. She fought a tough battle so courageously and can finally rest. The middle of three daughters, she was born February 2nd 1981 in Aurora, CO, to parents Martin and Jane Cumpston. Preceded in death by maternal grandparents Del and Ruth Cram, she is survived by spouse Robert Littleton, parents Martin and Jane, sisters Andrea Cumpston and Sara Hughes, brother in law Ryan Hughes, beloved nephew Jack Hughes, paternal grandparents Duane and Mary Lea Cumpston, as well as numerous treasured cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.
She loved exploring the beautiful outdoors, pool days with her friends, live music, walking the city, and traveling with her friends and family, especially to the Pacific Northwest. She was particularly fond of the Portland Rose Garden and Cannon Beach, OR, where she spent many enjoyable hours.
She was extremely modest of her achievements, but was proud of her 15 years with Knight Transportation and was loved and respected by her co-workers. She was the most selfless person, devoted partner, trusted friend, peace keeping daughter, fun loving aunt and was taking care of others even on her very last day.
A Celebration of Life memorial gathering will be held at Hotel Valley Ho Rooftop in Scottsdale on Saturday August 18th from 6:30pm-9:30pm. A second Celebration of Life gathering will be held in Knoxville, TN, on Sunday, August 26, from 2-5 p.m. at Bridgewater Place, 205 Bridgewater Road, Knoxville, TN, 37923.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her honor to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. http://tnbcfoundation.kintera.org/Alissa
Chelsea Burkhart
My thoughts and prayers are with Alissa’s family and friends! I had the greatest honor working closely with Alissa at Knight! She was the kindest, hardest working, most passionate person I’ve ever met! I will miss her laughter, her smile, her encouraging words, her calm and her ability to light the room when she walked in! Alissa, You my dear friend were the strongest fighter I’ve ever known! Sending lots of love!
Linda Juel Buzgheia
Dear Jane and family, I am saddened to hear the news of your beautiful Alissa’s passing. I pray that time and God’s grace will heal your wounds and bring you comfort and peace. May your many memories bring you joy in the midst of your sorrow. My sincere condolences to you and Alissa’s family.
Kathy Warren/Frank Perowsky
Martin and Jane and family,
Our love and thoughts are with you as you celebrate Alissa.
Angie Pierson
I had the pleasure of working with Alissa for the last 5 years. I got to know her on a personal level a couple of years ago when I started my breast cancer journey. Alissa reached out to me out of the blue and offered words of encouragement and a shoulder to lean on during a difficult time. I was beyond grateful for our friendship She had a heart of gold and was one if the most genuine people I’ve ever met. Condolences to her family and friends, I’m very sorry for your loss.
Susan Ryan
Alissa was a beautiful niece who shared her love of life with us all. She was an inspiration. Heaven gained an awesome angel. Love and prayers…..
Emily Reyneke
Alissa was my terminal manager when I drove on the dry side of Knight. She was only two years older than me. Even when I switched to the refrigerated side and would come to the Fairview terminal and there would be a normal operational mess that had to be sorted through I’d think of how it would have been handled a lot better and swifter by Alissa. She was kind of soft spoken but she was super smart. I left Knight for a few years and for a time I returned to Knight Refrigerated. I had learned that Alissa was a lot higher in the ranks and that was an awesome encouragement.
Was really sad to learn that Alissa’s body lost the fight. I’ve been a first responder and seen people pass away. I’ve worked at a camp for kids dealing with cancer. And now I am back to college working towards RN program and eventually NP. But Alissa passing…..really flipping ducks.
Hugs to Alissa’s family and close friends.
Kristin Runger Milam
This is a lovely tribute to Alissa. I am heartbroken for your family and all of her friends and will be keeping you close to my heart during this sad time. I pray the knowledge that she touched so many lives with her beautiful smile and lovely spirit will bring you some peace. She will remain in my memory as an Admiral and Knoxville Star with a soccer ball at her feet and arms around her teammates.
Michael D Hitchcock
Deepest sympathy and love to the family. My thoughts a prayers are with her family and other loved ones. I had the pleasure of working with her for the past 15 years. She is a special person and will surely be missed by everyone that knew her. She has been and will continue to be in my prayers and her smile will forever be missed.
John Hazen
Martin, Jane, and family, please accept my heartfelt condolences. I fondly remember Alissa playing with our children. I think of her being like the rugged natural beauty of Cannon Beach. May God bless you and your family with His Holy Peace and Healing Hand.
Sincerely, John
Lindsay fly
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful lady she was and a complete JOY to play soccer with. Praying for you all.
April L McIntosh
so sorry for your loss, Sending a ton of hugs to the entire family in this difficult time and forever more!
XOXOXO
Lois Shanks
My deepest sympathy and love for the entire family. I pray that the grace of God will bring comfort and peace during this very difficult time..
I work with Sara and only know Alissa through Sara. She had to be a beautiful, gracious and kind person to be a sister of Sara’s. My sincere condolences to Sara and the entire family of Alissa.
Lois
Nikki Legas
Alissa and I first met in 8th grade. We became instant friends. She was so much fun to be around, one of us always seemed to be laughing. She had the best smile and laugh. I admired her on the soccer field. For such a sweet and down to earth person, she would surprise you with her competitive drive and focus. I don’t remember her ever complaining at any of our long practices. I remember her making everything look easy. She had a knack for being good at everything it seemed.
Even though life took us our separate ways after high school, I always considered Alissa a dear friend. I was so excited to be able to have dinner with her when she came to Seattle for work a little over a year ago. We picked up just like old times, talking and laughing the entire meal.
She will be so missed. I will carry the memories close to my heart.
I am praying for her family during these difficult times. Sending love and hugs their way.
Alice and Jerry Thornton
Jane, Martin, Andrea and Sarah – we are so sadden by the loss of Alissa. She was a beautiful, kind, courageous person. We send our love and deepest sympathies to you. Alice and Jerry