Kristi Michelle Birdwell

With heavy hearts, we announce, Kristi Michelle Birdwell, born on June 13th, 1982, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri was unexpectedly sent to her eternal home on March 14th, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri. Survived by her husband, Justin Birdwell of Portageville, Missouri. Justin & Kristi got married on June 25th, 2011. They had a love like no other, and loved each other more than they loved themselves. Their bond was unbreakable and it was obvious they were more than just husband & wife; they were best friends & soul mates.

She was the beloved daughter of Robert & Alice Uhrhan of Chaffee, Missouri. Kristi is also survived by her brother Kevin Uhrhan and his two children Alexis and Austin Uhrhan, and her sister Kathy Enderle and her daughter Hailey Enderle. Mother and Father-in-law, Ricky and Brenda Birdwell, Grandmother-in-law Lela Phillips, Sister and Brother-in-law Brandy (Jeremy) Burton and their two children Samuel and Jacob (Adyson) Burton and daughter, Harper. Kristi is joined in Heaven with her paternal grandparents Anthony & Pauline Uhrhan, maternal grandparents Clem & Syvilla Sobba, and her husband’s grandfather Billy Joe Phillips. She also leaves behind aunts, uncles, best friends and cousins who loved her dearly.

After Kristi graduated from Chaffee High School in 2001, she went on to study Speech and Language Communications at Missouri State University. She graduated with her Bachelor’s in 2005 and then with her Master's in 2007. Since then, she has worked at Poplar Bluff School District (K-6, 2 years) and Springfield Schools (2009-present: Bowerman, Fremont, and Cherokee Schools). Her dedication, patience, and passion for the children she worked with was unmatchable. Outside of work Kristi found joy in music, reading, attending concerts, the Kansas City Chiefs, spending time with friends/family, but most of all her adventures and travels with her treasured husband, Justin.

Kristi was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this Earth was one marked by love, loyalty, laughter, compassion, and kindness. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her husband, family, friends, coworkers, and many more lives who were touched by her. We ask that you remember her not for the way her life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Those who knew Kristi will remember her for her captivating smile, infectious laughter, deep-rooted love for life, and her unwavering dedication to spreading love, laughter, and kindness to everyone she encountered. To know her, was to love her. She had a special gift for always making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed her path.

The visitation will be held at the Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel on Friday, March 21st, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at the St. Ambrose Catholic Church on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 at 10:00 am with Pastor Joseph Kelly officiating. Interment will follow at the St. Ambrose Catholic Cemetery.

Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."