Kari Lynn Stafford
November 9, 1963 – August 7, 2026
Kari Lynn Stafford, 62, of Hutto, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026, surrounded by love.
Kari was born on November 9, 1963, in Alamogordo, to Bobby and Shirley Stafford. Throughout her life, she was known for her grace, her laughter, her compassion, and the love she had for her family.
Kari spent much of her professional life working as an administrative professional, but her greatest accomplishment and proudest legacy was the family she built. She was a loving mother and grandmother whose life became woven into the lives of the children and grandchildren she loved so deeply.
She is survived by her sisters Cathy, Lori and Becky. Her four children, Jesse, Kimberly, Krysta, and Leesa; their spouses; and her ten grandchildren, who will carry her memory, her stories, and her love with them for generations to come.
Kari was preceded in death by her parents, Shirley and Bob Stafford, and her brother, Bobby.
Those who knew Kari will remember her in their own special ways—the sound of her laughter, the conversations they shared, the moments that made them smile, and the countless memories created over a lifetime. While her absence leaves an immeasurable space in the lives of those who loved her, so does the legacy of a woman whose life touched so many.
Kari was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed.
Her family would like to thank everyone who offered love, prayers, support, and kindness throughout her journey and to everyone who joins them in celebrating and remembering her life.
In loving memory of Kari Lynn Stafford.
A mother. A grandmother. A daughter. A sister.
A life loved. A life remembered.
A note from Kari was read at her funeral. She wrote this along with her daughters help before she passed.
“If I could leave one final message behind for all of you, it would simply be this:
My greatest legacy is my family.
I hope the people who knew me remember my loyalty to the ones I loved, my compassion for others, and my belief that there is always good to be found in people if you are willing to look for it.
When asked if I had regrets, my answer was no. Because every road I walked, every hardship, every blessing, and every lesson led me to my children and grandchildren. I would not change the outcome of my life if it meant losing even one moment with them.
My purpose in life was simple, to love my children and grandchildren and to help guide them into becoming good people. And every day, I saw that purpose fulfilled in who they became. That is the greatest gift God could have ever given me.
And to my sons-in-law and daughter-in-law: thank you for loving my children, standing beside them through life, and becoming part of my family not by obligation, but by heart. I loved you as my own, and I was proud of the lives and families you helped build together.
There was nowhere else I needed to go and nothing else I needed to see. My happiest moments were the ones spent with family, surrounded by the people I loved most. And now, I trust that the beauty of heaven will show me the rest.
If I could leave you with any wisdom, it would be this:
Always try to see the good in people. Remember that everyone is fighting battles and carrying burdens you may never fully understand. Before judging someone, consider their life, their pain, and their circumstances.
Make peace with yourself, because without peace within your own heart, it is hard to find peace with others.
Above all else, love deeply, forgive often, and give yourself to God.
Hold your family close. Be kind when you can. And never underestimate the impact of love, compassion, and understanding.
That is the life I tried to live.
And all of you were the best part of it.”