Kristan Samsill

Kristan Kardinal (Samsill) a wonderful mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece and friend passed away peacefully March 15 at Del Webb Hospital in Sun City West.



Just shy of her 50th birthday, Kristan was the middle of three daughters and if you were ever lucky enough to pull up a seat next to her, you know she was the funniest of the trio of the Kardinal sisters. Her quick wry, witty sense of humor got many fine folks in trouble for laughing to loudly - particularly during serious or stressful moments.



Kristan's proudest accomplishment was being a mother to her two smart, funny, beautiful daughters - Addison and Emily. Being a mom was all she ever wanted and what filled her heart. Well, motherhood and Days of Our Lives, which she watched religiously for 42 years. Kristan graduated from Wickenburg High School and earned her associate's degree in Aims Community College. She spent most of her career doing bookkeeping for the family business.



Kristan had an incredible love for animals, and boy did they love her back. It's a gift she passed down to her daughters. Often, the family pet worshiped Kristan so much they disliked (or merely tolerated) all other humans. Her horse Tinkerbell and chocolate Lab Trooper were certainly waiting for her at the pearly gates.



Kristan was an observer. The listener. The storyteller. The forgiver. The fighter. The friend. The scrapbooker. The supporter. The mender of broken wings. The comedian during some of life's most memorable moments. Kristan never met a stranger. To be her friend was to be her friend for life. She will be missed so very, very much.



She is survived by her husband Andy Samsill; mother Royce Kardinal-Ferree (Daryl); daughters Addison and Emily; granddaughter Skylar; grandson Greyson; sisters Kim Lewis (Patrick), and Kelsea Patton (Chris), nephew Andrew Vescova; lifelong friend Shawna Fortenberry (Mark); and uncle Randy Coxwell who is best known as UncBud.



She was preceded in death by her dad Glen Kardinal - his passing truly broke her heart. After all, it was the best worst-kept secret that Kristan was Glen's favorite (and their nanny Betty's favorite, and the dog Moose's favorite... you get the picture) - and that's okay. The family takes comfort knowing Glenn was singing Zippity Doo Dah upon Kristan's arrival to heaven.



They're together, laughing.



A private memorial service was held on March 18, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts for her daughters' future education expenses may be made, which will be administered by her sister Kim Lewis at 1403 Tania Circle, Billings, Montana, 59105.