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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, and 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, along with hiking and long walks in the great outdoors.
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 as 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.
For the last 19 years, Kari was in a loving relationship with her husband Merrill. They enjoyed many weekend getaways exploring the pristine beaches, restaurants and museums of their native Florida. Together they raised their beloved son Devin with whom they instilled their values of honesty, integrity and good work ethic. Devin is a true legacy of her life.
Kari was artistic and loved painting, especially watercolors. She appreciated most artwork, attended painting, pottery and glass art workshops, and was an active supporter of the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida. She periodically returned to Wyoming to visit her mother in the quiet serenity of her rural childhood home.
Kari radiated genuine goodness, selflessness, kindness and compassion and enriched the lives of clients, friends, family and all who knew her. She is and always will be deeply missed by those whose lives she touched.
Survivors include her husband Merrill, son Devin (Michelle) Jones of New York City, mother Grace (Ken) Price of Powell, sister Klara, niece Sydney and nephew Ryan Maringas of Florida, as well as numerous cousins and uncles.
Per her request, no funeral services were held but rather a celebration of her life will be held at a later date in Florida.
