Tuesday, March 25, 2008

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

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you thank you for posting this!

Anonymous said...

Yes thank you so much. I feel like I will never get to say goodbye since the news did not reach me until it was all over. I have to say in this day and age I was stunned that I didn't hear about her passing. I think in dealing with my grief I let it turn to anger but I have no idea at who. I have come to terms with the fact that God did not want me to find out about Kristy until I was ready. Our family was dealing with the Christmas Eve Carnation Murders at the time. The little girl was in my daughters kindergarden class. So Thank You Father for knowing me and protecting me in all Your glorious wisdom.