Kristi Marie Koontz, beloved wife of William (Bill) Koontz, got her promotion to heaven with him by her side, on June 11, 2020 in Platte City, Missouri. Kristi was born to Rusk C. Smith Sr. and Tessie Roybal Smith in Oceanside, California on February 2, 1953, the first of five children. Kristi was preceded in death by her parents, and the youngest sibling, Derek Lovy.
She graduated from Upland High School, Upland, California and earned her Bachelor's Degree while she was in the US Navy. She served nine years in the US Navy Reserve, with three tours in Desert Storm/ Desert Shield. Kristi was the first female attached to a Navy Seal Unit.
Kristi’s professional career covered a variety of positions, including restaurant management and owner-operator of a square dance attire company, selling merchandise to square dance circuits. Perhaps her most noteworthy jobs were with H&R Block, including serving as a District Manager. It was at Block that she met her husband, Bill, the love of her life.
Her family was a great joy to her: sons, Sean Ward (Deanna), Jesse Ward (Jennifer), and Billy Koontz; daughter, Kristi Koontz McNeary (Mark); granddaughters, Keiana, Krissy, and Kapri; grandsons Will and Tristan; sister, Dawna Meng (Quent), brothers, Rusk Smith (Sandy), Tim Smith, and Dean Smith (Laurie); and many nieces and nephews.
Kristi enjoyed traveling and watching football, NASCAR auto races, and ice skating competitions. She will be fondly remembered for her faith in God, her beautiful smile and laughter, and her generous spirit.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kristi’s life at a memorial service at her beloved church, Mt. Zion Baptist, 5705 Hwy Z, Edgerton, Mo. 64444, on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at 11:00am. Visitation will precede the service at 10:00am at the Church. The service will also be live streamed on the church website, mzlife.org . Service protocol will include Platte County recommendation for optional social distancing and masks.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kristi’s memory to Mt Zion Baptist Church, P.O. Box 175, Edgerton, Mo. 64444, earmarked for The Awana Clubs.
Close family friend / cousin ,Frisco ,Texas
It comes at great sadness to hear our BIG SISTER of our two family's has pass, with that said we truely believe she is at PEACE AND REST with our LORD JESUS CHRIST. We pray for the entire family at this difficult time. Jesus we know you are incontroll of everything and you let her LGHT SHINE here as long as you could. Let her family walk and shine your light each and every day until you reunite us all together. May JESUS give you peace. Sincerely DANNY AND CINDY PIRRELLO πππ
Former Classmate ,Carlsbad, CA.
So sorry to hear of Kristi's passing. We went to Upland High School together, and we were both part of the 'Class of 1971.' We had a couple of classes together, and I remember her genuineness to include less-talkative people like me in the conversation. She included me as if we were already great friends, when we really didn't know each other at all. It's those little things that I remember about high school, and I'll remember Kristi's ability to treat others with a sincere friendliness that not many possessed. So very sorry for the family's loss, and my family's prayers and meditations reach out to you at this time.
