Remembering Kristine “Kris” Fleming

With great sadness, we share that former Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity Housing Corporation Vice President Construction Kris Fleming passed away Sunday, Aug. 9, in St. Louis, Missouri, following a battle with brain cancer. She was 57.

Kris was initiated into Eta Theta Chapter (then University of Missouri-Rolla, now Missouri University of Science and Technology) on Jan. 22, 1988. She earned her degree in engineering management with a preference in mechanical engineering.

She began her national service to ZTA as a member of the Chapter Financial Management Committee from 2008 to 2018. She was elected as an FHC Director in 2016 and became a member of the Construction Committee in 2018. She was named Vice President Construction in 2020 and continued in that role until Convention 2026.

She skillfully managed the construction of new houses for Alpha Upsilon (Oklahoma State University), Alpha Psi (University of Missouri), Alpha Zeta (The Ohio State University), and Iota Phi (North Carolina State University) chapters, as well as major renovations for Alpha Gamma (University of Michigan), Eta Phi (Illinois State University), and Lambda Beta (The University of Rhode Island) chapters.

Kris held multiple alumnae chapter officer roles in the St. Louis, MO Chapter and advisor roles for Eta Theta, Kappa Omega (Saint Louis University), and Theta Kappa (University of Missouri-St. Louis) chapters. She also co-chaired Eta Theta's 50th anniversary celebration in 2023, which included the establishment of a ZTA Foundation Endowed Scholarship. Kris also personally funded the Fleming Scholars Program for Women in Engineering Endowed Scholarship to recognize her passion for both ZTA and women studying STEM. This scholarship will be awarded for the first time in the 2027-2028 academic year.

She received her Certificate of Merit in 2002 and her Honor Ring in 2014. Kris was honored with the Julia Marthaler Hill Award for Excellence in Housing Leadership at Convention 2026 for her service and dedication to the FHC.

Kris was preceded in death by her father, James, and mother, Ann. She is survived by her brother, Steve, and his wife, Kim; nephew Jackson and his wife, Ashley; nephew Cameron and his wife, Becca, and their children, Everett and Ada. Becca is a ZTA alumna initiate.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Aug. 13, from 5-8:00 p.m. at Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home (12444 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, MO 63141). The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, Aug. 14 at St. John’s United Church of Christ (15370 Olive Blvd., Chesterfield, MO 63017) at 10 a.m. Committal immediately following at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery.

Kris was a loyal sister and dedicated donor. Her quick wit was a bright spot in every room. We are all grateful for her service and friendship.

Loyally,

Stancy Robinson Hagans
National President