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Kari Faye Christensen Matlovich of Trinity, Florida, passed away at her home on April 1, 2019, with her son Devin Jones and her husband Merrill by her side.
Kari was born in Cody to Rodney and Grace Christensen on Feb. 27, 1962. She was truly a blessing from God. The family made their home on West Willwood near Powell, where Kari grew up with her younger sister Klara. It was here that Kari grew to love the beauty of nature, the mountains, the forests, and the great outdoors, hiking and long walks.
While growing up, Kari became an accomplished equestrian, frequently riding without a saddle and breaking and training her very spirited 2-year-old quarter horse. She also became a talented seamstress, stitching much of her own wardrobe.
Kari attended Powell schools, from first through graduation, where she excelled academically and athletically in the sports in which she participated. After high school, Kari attended Northwest Community College before enrolling at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. Throughout high school and college, she worked a number of jobs to fund her own education. A number of summers were spent working for the Powell Recreation District where she helped direct the children’s summer program.
Kari first married in 1986 and lived in Colorado, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Washington state in pursuit of career enhancement opportunities. Kari ultimately earned a bachelor of arts degree in marketing from Mercer College in Macon, Georgia, while she also worked and was a young mother of her only child, a son, Devin.
Kari was a successful financial consultant with a long list of formally recognized accomplishments and awards for her superior performance. She enjoyed spending free time with family, jogging and exploring the pristine beaches, restaurants and museums of Florida with Merrill, her husband of several years.
Kari was quite artistic and loved painting, especially watercolors. She appreciated most artwork and was an active supporter of the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida. Coming back to Wyoming to visit her mother and relax in the quiet serenity of her rural childhood home was a routine and favorite thing.
Kari radiated genuine goodness, selflessness, kindness and compassion. She enriched the lives of clients, friends, family and all who knew her. Kari considered her greatest achievement in life to be that of raising her son Devin in whom she instilled her values, integrity, honesty, optimism and work ethic. Devin is a true legacy of her life.
Cancer stole Kari from us years and years too soon, leaving us a huge void in our hearts and lives. She is and always will be deeply missed by those whose lives she touched.
Survivors include her son Devin (Michelle) of New York City, husband Merrill, mother Grace Price (Ken) of Powell, sister Klara Maringas, niece Sydney Maringas, nephew Ryan Maringas — all of Florida — as well as numerous cousins and uncles.
Per her request, no funeral services were held but rather a celebration of her life at a later date in Florida.
