Kristy's Eulogy

Kristy Koreen Palizzi Ragsdale was born on January 6, 1978 in Tacoma Washington to her parents, Albert and Ann Palizzi. She grew up in nearby Milton, Washington.

She already had two older brothers, Tony and Andy, and had two more follow, Barry and Kyle. Kristy was the only daughter. When Ann was pregnant with Kyle Kristy desperately wanted a little sister. They discovered Kyle was a boy through an ultrasound and Kristy was devastated. She locked herself in her room and pouted for three days. Then she all of a sudden emerged from her room happily singing, and laughing. When asked why the change of heart Kristy said she realized that with being the only girl she was the princess! And she lived accordingly!

Kristy was not the quiet and timid daughter Al and Ann expected. She was Feisty, spirited, and full of life. As much as she was, her brothers were calm and quiet. Her parents realized while she was fairly young that these traits were important for the mission she was to fulfill in her life. And she livened up their lives tremendously. Her brother Tony said “She was the life of the family”!

Her Mother said that there were times in Kristy’s life when she was like a gale force hurricane wind ripping through your life and other times when she was a gentle delicate breeze on your cheek.

The Palizzi home was always filled with kids and music. Music was an important part of Kristy’s life. She loved to sing and we loved to hear her because she had a beautiful voice. It didn’t hurt that she was blessed with the perfect accompianist always at her disposal! She was able to bear her testimony through music on many occasions.

Before and after her mission, Kristy traveled extensively for work. She was able to visit almost every State if not all. She made many close friends, and loved the adventure.

Kristy wanted to serve a mission but worried she wasn’t reverent enough. She counseled with her stake president, a good family friend. He reassured her that she wouldn’t have to be reverent 24/7 and that if she could be reverent for a few hours a day she would be fine. She decided to go, and was called to serve in the Tallahassee Florida mission. Four months into her mission Ann received a call from the Mission President on business, but mentioned to Ann that Kristy had a companion that was just like her and they “set Pensacola on fire”! Kristy worked hard and had fun while she worked. She wasn’t afraid to call people to repentance, but she also showed great love and acceptance towards all people. Her father says Kristy was always a missionary inviting investigators over for dinner after church.

Kristy made everyone around her feel like they were her best friend, because that’s the way she was. Those who knew her well know that her true best friend was her mother, Ann. They have a special bond that carries them through whatever life brings.

Shortly after her mission Kristy met Dave. They were married in the Seattle Temple on August 17, 2001. She was a beautiful bride.

They made their home in Utah County. One of her favorite jobs was working at a girl’s home. She loved the youth and helping them through life’s trials. The only reason she left was because of the birth of their first son, Brandon. Kristy always wanted to be a mother and was very excited. A few years later they had their second son Carter. Kristy’s life was devoted to her family and she loved being around her boys.

Kristy loved beauty. She loved make-up and beautiful clothes. She worked hard to create a beautiful environment in her home. We miss the beauty she created and know that she is creating beauty where she is now.

Kristy felt very blessed in her life with strong family ties and wonderful supportive friends. She knew she could endure anything life brought her because of this.
We know she would want you to know how much she appreciated and loved each of you.

The Lord gave me a gift on a week ago Friday night. Kristy was driving by my house and felt the need to stop. While there she laid her head on my shoulder, she told me she loved me and appreciated my friendship. This is a gift I will always cherish.

Kristy returned to her heavenly home on Sunday January 6th 2008 on her 30th birthday.

Kristy is survived by her Husband Dave her Two boys Brandon and Carter, Parents Albert and Ann Palizzi, Brothers and Sisters-in-law Tony and Stacy, Andy and Mariette, Barry and Christia,
Kyle, Many Uncle and Aunts, Nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

Kristy lived her life to the fullest and we should all be grateful for the time we had with her.

Kristy’s life was dedicated to compassion and service. Her Mother’s greatest wish is that in her memory we follow her lead. Find someone to serve, seek out a lonely heart, make someone smile or laugh, throw a party or give a compliment.

Kristy we love you. We’ll miss you smile and laughter, your hugs and kisses, and most of all your love. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

Thoughts of Kristy

Kristy,
I was just thinking about you today. I do that quite often still. I hope that you are doing well. Each time I read a new post I am so amazed at what a beautiful & caring person you were. I was always so amazed at the thoughtful things you used to do for me & for the love that you showed me. Little did I know that you showed this same love & kindness to everyone you met. You have touched so many people's lives for the better Kristy. I know your legacy will live on through your boys. I think & pray for them often as well. I only wish I could do more for them. We love you, we haven't forgotten you, I hope that I can continue to strive to be a little more like you each day. Just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you.
Love,
Shauna Williams

I only knew Kristy for a brief time, but wanted to share what I did know. I had just opened my business Dippidee in American Fork, UT. One of my first customer’s was Kristy. I remember she had just had a baby and she commented that she was trying to lose her baby weight. At first she would just look around, but that didn’t last too long before she began trying our products. She was so nice about this business that meant so much to me. She told me how Dippidee reminded her of home. She soon began buying treats to give to her friends and neighbors. She would always tell me how she wanted me to be successful and she was getting the word out that we were here.

I remember when we began doing boxed lunches she was one of the first people to buy one. She called me after she had gone home and eaten her sandwich, she let me know what was good and not so good… she just wanted me to be successful. I loved her enthusiasm and truthfulness. I wish there had been more time to get to know Kristy better. But I am so grateful that I was blessed to know her at all. I appreciate her kindness towards me and my new business. I am grateful that she wanted to help me be successful in my venture.

To Kristy’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the hurt and pain associated with losing a child. My brother passed away a few years ago and I will never forget the image of my father crying as he protested that a parent should never have to bury their child. I pray for you to have peace.

To Kristy’s mom, as I think of ways I can help I go to Kristy’s boys. I am not sure when their birthdays are, but I would love to be able to give them a birthday cake. Please call me when the time comes so that I can give this small offering. And I would love for you to come by anytime for one of our cupcakes Kristy loved so much.

Sincerely,

Marcee

We Had Fun...

I haven't talked to Kristy or seen her in 8 years. I worked with her at a company in Seattle. I always figured that Kristy and I would cross paths again one day. We had so much fun together. She made work fun. We would continuously laugh and laugh at stupid stuff. All day. That included, poking fun at people.

One of my favorite things about Kristy was while she was a bit nosey, she for the most part didn't pass judgement. At least not on me. Her favorite thing to do was to get me to cuss, and we all know that is not hard to do. She would giggle if I cursed or used profanity, which made me laugh. We were cubicle to cubicle for awhile so we shared many things. She enjoyed making fun of my new husband, of course I joined her. We used to bring our Christmas music to work and listen to it in October, annoying the crap out everyone. People would walk by and say "what! already!". We were delighted at there reaction.

Once Kristy thought she was choking on a piece of gum. (It was the real sugary kind, and you know sometimes how it can go down the wrong way and make you feel like you can't breathe, but you really can, you just have to wait until the sugar clears). Well she turned to me with a look of sheer panic on her face. In turn, panicking me. I grabbed her by the shoulders and yelled in her face, "why are you choking!!!???". I pushed her to the next person because I had no clue what to do. Well after the sugar cleared out of her throat and all the panic was over, (when she pryed herself away from the guy trying to give her the heimlic maneuver), she looked at me and laughed. "You are serious. You seriously just asked me why I was choking?" I was so embarrassed but more relieved that she was ok. Oh but don't worry in the middle of conversations she would stop and say to me right in my face, "why are you choking." It always made us giggle.

Kristy sat by my side thru my first pregnancy. I think it was her who went and bought me a dolly that resembled the size that my son was in utero at the time. I loved her. I remember when she decided to go on a mission. I was hoping that..... I don't know what I was hoping for but she called my house to tell me that she was assigned to Tallahassee. I BURST into tears. Because I knew then that we were going to go our separate ways. I was newly married and having a baby and she was doing something very important to her, growing up and serving God. Somewhere deep inside me I thought we would most definetly get back together again, with our babies and everything. Today I found out that is not the case. Kristy, I hope to get to meet Brandon and Carter again one day. And I am so sorry. It seems like they are in good hands with Grandma and Grandpa. You are a beautiful mother. Till we meet again?

Your Friend,
Erika

There was a time in my life when it seems like Kristy was always around. At first she was like a little sister, but soon became a good friend, a very funny friend! She and I dated brothers at the same time. We worked at Incredible Universe together and she always made a boring day fun. I remember teasing each other with what we thought was the ugliest toy we had ever seen. It would somehow always end up in the section of the store I was working. When I had my first baby, she somehow found the ugly toy, and sent it to me as a gift for the baby!

We, of course, would sing together in church and I always seemed to be at the Palizzi's house practicing for something.

Kristy was the person to tell me my Dad had died. She came to get me at work. I think she was crying more than me. I will never forget how much she cared.

She took me with her to Idaho and introduced me to some of best people I've ever known. It was life changing for me. She helped set me up with my husband and when we first started dating, she took some flowers that he had given me and shook them up side down to look for a ring. She somehow knew we would get married. She and Ann helped so much with my wedding and they gave me a baby shower for my first baby.

Ann. You were (are) a Mom to me. I pray for you every day. I love you and thank you for all the goodness you gave to me. My heart aches every time I think about Kristy or see a picture of her. I will miss her till I see her again! Kristy you are my sister. Thank you for teaching me to love and live life and most importantly to laugh! I can't wait to see you again!

Love, Holly

I wanted to thank you for posting on Kristy's blog about the dream you had last week. I thought I would share something with you that was written by Parley P. Pratt about dreams and I think it is really good. It is taken from a book that I think is out of print,"Key to the Science of Theology."

It begins with this scripture Job 33:14-16 "For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; then He openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction."

Text..."When the outward organs of thought and perception are released from their activity, the nerves unstrung, and the whole of mortal humanity lies hushed in quiet slumbers in order to renew its strength and vigor, it is then that the spiritual organs are at liberty, in a certain degree, to assume their wonted functions, to recall some faint outlines, some confused and half -defined recollections, of that heavenly world and those endearing scenes of their former estate from which they have descended in order to obtain and mature a tabernacle of flesh. Their kindred spirits, their guardian angels, then hover about them with the fondest affection, the most anxious solicitude. Spirit communes with spirit, thought meets thought, soul blends with soul, in all the raptures of mutual, pure, and eternal love."

.."In this situation, the spiritual organs are susceptible of converse with Deity or of communion with angels and the spirits of just men made perfect."

"In this situation, we frequently hold communication with our departed father, mother, brother, sister, son, or daughter; or with the former husband or wife of our bosom, whose affection for us, being rooted and grounded in the eternal elements of issuing from under the sanctuary of love's eternal fountain, can never be lessened or diminished by death, distance of space, or length of years."

"With what tenderness of love, with what solicitude of affection will they watch over our slumbers, hang about our pillow, and seek to communicate with our spirits, to warn us of dangers or temptation, to comfort and soothe our sorrow, or to ward off the ills that might befall us, or perchance to give us some kind token of remembrance or undying love!"

I find this very comforting. Perhaps Kristy was trying to let you know she is alright. Interestingly too, I think that one of Kristy's ancestors is Parley P. Pratt. And to think he wrote such beautiful words about dreams.

-Shauna

I'll Hold You Again

I am posting this on behalf of Ann who wanted this touching and insightful song shared with everyone. It gives comfort, and it bears testimony.

It was President’s Day and Ann felt like she hadn’t had adequate time to just sit and to just cry and to just “be” - between running here and there for everyone and everything that was going on since January 6th. She had some time to herself on this day, and decided to go through Kristy’s music. She does this a lot when she needs that extra closeness with the Spirit and her daughter. Sleeping at night was nigh unto impossible at times and that is another reason why this song is such a gift. I think I speak for everyone in saying “Thank you, Ann, for sharing this with us. It helps - and we love you, and miss her, too.”

This song was written by Kristy shortly after her mission.

I’ll Hold You Again

I need somebody to hear me and feel
My pain so deep and so real.
I cannot carry this weight on my own.
How can you really be gone.
Why can’t I wait for this night to pass?
Please, close my eyes, help me sleep.
Lord, hold me near,
Please, wipe away my tears.
Why am I hurting so deep?

I want to hold and feel you again.
Instead I smile through my pain.
I lay in bed and I see your face.
I’m praying for the Lord’s grace
Lord, hear my cry, I can’t go on.
Please, let me feel your hand.
Please, give me strength through
Your arms so strong.
Give me the courage to stand.

Then He speaks to my heart and
I hear His voice so soft and clear
“Mocked and stripped, on the cross
I bled your tears I’ve already shed.
Alone in the garden I drank the cup
I knelt in prayer for your pain.
On the cross I was lifted up.
So you could return, I was slain.”

His love encircles my heart and soul.
His spirit makes my life whole.
His life is my source of comfort and peace.
His arms bring sweet release from pain
And I know I’ll hold you again.
I’ll wait, then hold you again.

By Kristy Palizzi Ragsdale