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Kristi McKinnon Obituary

Kristi Lee McKinnon, 8/14/69 - 4/27/05. Kristi, 35, was born and raised in Mesa, AZ and graduated from Westwood High School in 1987. She earned her Bachelor's degree and became an Occupational Therapist working at St. Luke's Medical Center in Phoenix. She served and uplifted people throughout her mission in life until dying of breast cancer. Kristi was preceded in death by her mother, Wanda Sue Reilly McKinnon, in May of 1975, and leaves behind her grandmother, Ella Mae McKinnon; her dad and mom, Steve and Tina McKinnon; three sisters, Karen Shaker and her husband Gary, Julie Mooney and husband, Mac, and Andrea Frost; five brothers, Tim and his wife, Nicolle, Dan and wife, Tiffany, Mike and wife, Nikole, Robby and wife, Melanie, and David. Kristi was the world's best aunt to 15 nephews and 5 nieces. Besides her family, she leaves behind multitudes of friends of all ages whose lives were touched and enriched by their association with her. She will be missed and remembered forever by all who knew her. Visitation will be Sunday, May 1, 2005, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Bunker's Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201, (480)964-8686. Funeral services will be Monday, May 2, 2005 at 10:00 A.M., with a visitation beginning at 9 A.M., at the LDS Lehi Ward Bldg., 810 East Lehi Road, Mesa, AZ 85203. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Breast Cancer 3-Day, to be held October 21, 22, and 23, 2005. If interested, please contact her sister, Julie, for details. 480-730-1193.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Apr. 30 to May 1, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
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Crystal Theel

April 24, 2025

Hi Kristi- 20- years, how is this possible (my body says it´s true). Maryann and I talk about you every time we get together. I know our St. Luke´s Ohana is thinking of you today. RIL my friend .

Crystal Theel

April 24, 2019

Kristi, they talk about friends at work and how important they are to a healthy life, but our St. Luke's gang was more like family. I think about you all the time! I kayak now and think about you and your happy place every time I'm out on the water. You are forever in my heart, love you to the moon and back!

Kim Hubartt

June 8, 2011

For you, Kristi

Karen Shaker

November 5, 2007

Well Kristi, for whatever reason, there are a lot of thoughts going to you right now. There are so many times that I think I'm alone in my thoughts of you, only to find out that I'm not even close. I choose to believe that you know of our thoughts and that you might even be reading this. So to that I say ... dang girl I miss you so much! I hope you are having the time of your life (or afterlife) and that you are helping us out a little. I love you!

P.S. I'm wearing your shirt :)

Crystal T

November 4, 2007

I also miss you!

Kacey Shaker

November 2, 2007

I miss you.

Alyson Coombs

August 22, 2005

I thought of Kristi all day long on her birthday but I didn't have access to the guest book until now. I continue to miss her and have her in my thoughts. I really count myself so lucky to have such wonderful memories of Kristi. I can't help but feel sorry for the millions of people who don't even know they have missed out on knowing one of God's choicest daughters. Happy Birthday Kristi! SLY!!

Brigette Cook

August 17, 2005

I was sending an email the other day and Kristi's email address came up. I couldn't help but write an email to her that said "Miss you tons." It was OK that her email was not working anymore-it made me feel like she knew I was thinking about her!

jennie little

August 16, 2005

Kristi's birthday was this weekend and I cannot help but have her in my thoughts. She has a very special place in my heart. I wish lots of joy and laughter for her family. Her legacy will always live with all of us! Happy Birthday, my beautiful friend!

I miss you! jennie

Lisa Hecke

August 14, 2005

Happy birthday my beautiful friend!

I love you, I miss you, I think of you everyday. My thoughts and prayers to Kristi's friends and family. Oh how she impacted us all... and continues to with the stories we share.

all my love always -Lisa

Holly Stacy

June 22, 2005

It has been almost 2 months since Kristi's passing and I still think of her all throughout every day. My prayers go out to her family who I know are missing her every minute of the day. We met in OT school and lived together in Newport News during our Fieldwork for OT. I never called her Kristi - I always called her "McKinnon". She brightened my day whenever I got to see her or talk to her on the phone. I can't explain what she meant to me in words. I just love her with all of my heart and miss her dearly. My 3 year old son Will still says "and God bless McKinnon" during his prayers at night.

Jeannette Clelland

May 30, 2005

Kristi helped me survive highschool and all the trials being a teenager can bring! We have many great memories, that I will always treasure. By the wonderful tribute that made to her at her memorial service, it's obvious that she touched many lives. I think of her often, and she will always be in my heart! She dearly loves her family, and she will always be with you!

Krysten Adams

May 30, 2005

Kristi Lee McKinnon. How can you not smile when you say that name. Of course I will always prefer DrK. I feel so blessed to have been able to know and love Kristi. She was such an amazing person and such a great friend and example to me. I am also grateful for the chance I've had to get to know Kristi's family and friends a little bit better over the last few months. My prayers are with each of you. Love you.

Mary Ann Betti

May 17, 2005

I knew Kristi through St. Luke's and feel blessed to have known her and have had her in my life.Her footprints are imbedded in my heart. She was a great friend and will be missed more than words can express. Love to Kristi and her special family.

Kristi's Happy Place!

Lisa Hecke

May 15, 2005

This is hard... how to express my thoughts on someone as beautiful and as meaningful as Kristi is in one short paragraph. The day Kristi entered my life; it was made better and more beautiful. I will miss the trips, the movies, the kayaking excursions, and the long talks, but mostly I will miss the time spent together. I hold the moments we share close to my heart. All my love to Kristi’s family forever and always. May we never miss a rainbow because we are looking down.

Love, Lisa Hecke

Leslie Craig

May 13, 2005

To Kristi's family...I met Kristi through my sister, Jessica, years ago when they went through OT school together, but got to know her through her devoted friendship while Jessica was fighting her own battle with cancer. She was with Jess, and my family, through all the hard times, and the good times too!!! Together we shared many tears and many laughs as well. I can still hear her laughter and it brings a smile to my face! That is when she became my sister in my heart. She is an amazing woman who touched my life, all our lives in a way that cannot even be expressed in words. We all love Kristi as if she was born in to our family. She will always be a part of our everyday and will be truly missed. I can just say that I am blessed to have had her beautiful spirit touch my life. I will be forever grateful to her for sharing herself with me and with my family and I will be forever grateful to you, her family, for letting her be a part of our family too. My son, Kyle, still prays for her at dinner and for her family now. She will be in our hearts forever...Leslie, Fred, Kyle, Jake and Ryan Craig

Jennie (Carroll) Little

May 11, 2005

I guess that everyone has that ONE person in their life that totally turns things around for them. Kristi was that person for me. She helped me through a time that I was not sure I could get through. I will always remember her with adoration and gratitude. I love you Kristi!

Rene Ritter

May 11, 2005

I will always remember Kristi for the kind person she was with such a friendly, outgoing personality. She was someone others naturally wanted to be around because of her genuine, down to earth nature. The memory of her caring ways, good character and selflessness will always serve as a reminder of how we may all aspire to be. I feel blessed to have known her. With my deepest sympathy,

BECKY ESPINOZA

May 9, 2005

ALTHOUGH I DID NOT KNOW KRISTI WELL, SHE HAS TOUCHED MY LIFE. HER COURAGE AND STRENGTH HAVE INSPIRED ME. SHE TRULY IS AN ANGEL AND WILL LIVE FOREVER IN THE HEARTS OF HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS. WHAT A PLEASURE IT WAS TO KNOW HER.

Tammy Herzog

May 9, 2005

Kristi was such a special person. She had a great sense of humor and always could make you smile. I feel truly blessed to have known such a terrific and loving person. She will be deeply missed.

Crystal Theel

May 8, 2005

I worked with Kristi at St. Luke's, People work together all the time and they call each other co-workers, but if you worked with Kristi you were a life long friend. God Bless!

Shannon Haskins

May 6, 2005

Kristi has blessed my life in so many ways. My life will truly be changed forever because of her significant impact. She was such a wonderful friend, a true testament to the power of friendship. She shined with selflessness, generosity, gentleness, and self-control. How blessed I was to have known her, to be able to have shared a remarkable friendship with her, and to have loved her. I will listen for her words of wisdom always and will hold she and her family in a special place in my heart forever. God bless you all.

Clare Tower

May 6, 2005

To Kristi's family I send my deepest sympathy. To me, Kristi was an angel on Earth. I actually went to CSU with Kristi before we went to MCV together. I did not know her at CSU but I remember her well in many of my classes. She was so beautiul with her red hair and always a smile on her face. We officially became friends at OT school in Richmond. From day one, I could see her beautiful soul. She always had the right thing to say or do in a very stressful environment. The thing I liked best about Kristi was her sense of humor. She was so witty and always had a quick, hystarical response just at the right moment! I had Kristi this year for our secret santa and I got her a L.L. Bean bag that said her name on it. I choose apple green because I thought it would look good with her coloring. I only wish I could have given it to her in person. I send my love and prayers to Kristi's family and to my group of friends who loved her so dearly. Our visits will never be the same without Kristi but I know she will be there with us for the rest of our lives. Sincerely, Clare Tower

Kristi's Friends at Gilbert Parks and Recreation

May 5, 2005

Dan Turbyfill

May 5, 2005

Kristi was an absolute gift to all of us. The first time I met Kristi was during a phone interview. She nailed every question except for the one about how to deal with a difficult child. Without missing a beat she said she would tie the child to a chair. WOW. You should have seen the interview panels faces. (Blank with our chins hitting the ground) After a seemingly long pause she finally said "Just Kidding". It was that type of humor we loved about Kristi. She will be deeply missed. We are all better people because of her influence in our lives. She will be deeply missed.

The 3-Day 2004 Friends Forever

May 5, 2005

Doris Stefura

May 4, 2005

My heartfelt sympathy to the whole family. I met Kristi in Oct 03 while my husband was in NIH. She was there to give support to Jessica Mosher's family while she was so sick. I was touched by her compassion to the family and also to me. We laughed and cried together. I wish I knew her better, but for that short time I was extremely fond of her. May she rest in peace.

Jessica Mosher

May 4, 2005

My life has been forever changed because I was so incredibly blessed by Kristi's friendship. Her selfless generosity and amazing spirit has made me a better person...a better friend. She will always be a part of me and of my family. The memories I have of special times spent with her will remain in my heart always. A special thank you to Kristi's family for making me feel like a member of the family during this time. I love you and will continue to pray for peace and comfort for each one of you.

Aunt Donna Vickroy

May 4, 2005

My sympathy to you all. But in the same breath I say how fortunate you have been to share so much with such a giving, loving, awsome individual. She is a special young lady and again I thank you for sharing her with us. Many fond memories will stay within our hearts. I love you Kristi

Faith Brown

May 4, 2005

My deepest sympathies to Kristi's family and all of her loved ones. She was my classmate in OT school and inspired me with her leadership and persistence. Even when she was living on the east coast, Kristi always showed sincere devotion and love for her family and her church. I feel that we have all been blessed in unique ways to have had Kristi in our lives and my heart is with you at this time of loss.

Diane Hansen-Johnson

May 3, 2005

My sympathies to David Jordan and the entire McKinnon family. David, please know that your friends are here for you during this difficult time.

Sue Welp

May 3, 2005

Kristi was such a special person. I'm so glad I knew her. After hearing about her life from her family & friends, I find she's still inspiring me.

Todd Crone

May 3, 2005

I worked with Kristi at Tempe St Lukes. She was such a great person, always willing to help with anything, and such fun to be around. Our prayers are for Kristi and her family.

Sherri Valencia

May 3, 2005

I met Kristi at OT school; we became immediate friends. Her wit and her humor captured my heart. Kristi was there to help carry me through a personal crisis with her strength and compassion. She will remain always in my heart. I was truly blessed to have known her and to have been called her friend.

Terri Shipley

May 3, 2005

It was a joy to know Kristi as a friend and OT student when she was working on her affiliation at our hospital and keeping in touch with her over the years. My sympathy to the McKinnon Family on your loss. She was an inspirational person and a true gift.

Darwin and Terri Hall

May 2, 2005

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Brett & Jessica McKinnon

May 2, 2005

It was always a joy to see Kristi. Her positive and caring personality radiated throughout her countenance. It was fun to have her living at Grandma's house. It made visits twice as sweet. She was a wonderful cousin and will be missed.

Cathy Price (maiden name Foe)

May 2, 2005

My deepest heartfelt sympathies to your family. I have not seen Kristi since high school, but noticed her obituary in Sunday's paper. I was stunned and saddened by this loss. I tried to recall how & when I first met her, and couldn't - not that our meeting was unmemorable, but because it just seems like I'd always known her. Although we were not the very closest of friends - more like classroom acquaintances, as she was a grade ahead of me - I don't doubt that she would have a smile for me if our paths had crossed again more recently, now over 15 years later. And after all these years, I now smile when I think of her. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.

-Cathy (Foe) Price, Westwood class of '88

Todd & Cheryl Christensen

May 2, 2005

Todd and I both graduated with Kristi back in the day and we were so sorry to hear the news of her passing. She was never without a smile (even as we suffered together at girls camp!) and she was truly a good person, always fun to be around. We are blessed to have known her. Best wishes to all the McKinnon family.

Doug & Sherry Ashby

May 2, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the McKinnon family at this difficult time.

Alyson Coombs

May 2, 2005

I remember Kristi's handshake. The first time I met her she shook my hand and I was completely surprised at how firm her handshake was. She impressed me from the first moment I met her. I feel so privileged that she took the time to get to know me and be my friend. She was a source of strength and humor while I was on my mission and inspired me to be better. I hope she knew how much she meant to me. I pray for her loved ones and ask that all comfort be given them.

Helen Haws Carling

May 2, 2005

Kristi & I grew up through Jr. High & High School together. She was always a great friend. I could tell at the viewing that she was very loved and that she touch a wide variety of people throughout her life. Thanks to her family & friends for all their support & love--she deserved all of it.

Elder and Sister Ritchie

May 2, 2005

We add our love and sympathy for a difficult time in your lives.

Marci Peterson

May 1, 2005

Kristi - your smile that lit up every room you entered will be missed.



Marci

Jon, Becky, and Garrett Cole

May 1, 2005

Although we didn't get to spend a lot of time with Kristi due to distance, we still were touched by her and have many fond memories. We will miss her but know she is in a better place.

Jeff & Penny Peterson

May 1, 2005

Kristi was an inspiration and a friend.

Elsie Merfeld

May 1, 2005

Kristi was a wonderful friend who had a great sense of humor. She always kept us laughing. She will be missed and I am lucky to have had her in my life.

Teresa Hill-Wood

May 1, 2005

I graduated with Kristi in 1987 from Westwood. My deepest heart felt sympathy goes out to her loved one and friends left behind.

Don, Nancy McKinnon and Girls

April 30, 2005

We love Kristi so much and she will be forever missed. She was an inspiriation to us. She was the first girl in our family to go on a mission, and set a great example for the rest of us to follow. We admire her bravery through this terrible trial, and will always think of her as a courageous young woman.

Love, the Utah McKinnons

Brigette Cook

April 30, 2005

Kristi was a person who brought a special light into a room. I loved visiting teaching with her and enjoyed our conversations. She touched my heart in a special way. Our prayers our with her family, who she valued and loved dearly.

Gina Strasser Nika Sipes

April 30, 2005

We were so lucky to have Kristi in our lives. She was a great friend and will be deeply missed.

Elder & Hermana Charles Foote

April 30, 2005

What a beautiful tribute you all have made to Kristi. It has touched our hearts and we can feel your love. We love you all and offer comfort at this hour.

Steven Quagliano

April 30, 2005

Kristi was a great friend and an inspiration to so many. She will be truly missed. "The light of your eyes shines like an angel, a spirit that won't let go."

JoLynn Udy Butler

April 30, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. It was my honor and privilege to know Kristi and to call her friend. My life is better because she was a part of it. What an amazing person! She will do great things on the other side.

Tony and Ginger Allen

April 30, 2005

You are in our thoughts and prayers. We know Kristy suffered deeply as well as her family who so lovingly cared for her during her illness. We love you all so much.

Sisters Forever

Karen Shaker

April 30, 2005

To everyone who loved Kristi as we did, keep your chin up knowing what a blessing that was in itself.

Sisters Forever

Karen Shaker

April 30, 2005

To everyone who loved Kristi as we did, keep your chin up knowing what a blessing that was in itself.

Julie Mooney

April 30, 2005

Hey guys! We are so blessed to have had such an incredible sister in our family. Kristi has always looked out for me. It started by letting me tag along with her and her friends, then helping me prepare for my mission, paying off my car (wait she didn't do that for you too?)and strengthening my testimony by showing me to endure to the end no matter what the trial. I love you Kristi.

Karen Shaker

April 30, 2005

To everyone who loved Kristi as we did, keep your chin up knowing what a blessing that was in itself.

From the Staff of Bunker Family Funeral Homes

April 29, 2005

We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.

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