Kristi Kelli (Mathis) Stephens

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Kristi Stephens will be held Friday, October 28, 2022, at 10 a.m., at the Red River Cowboy Church in Lake End, Louisiana. Interment will follow the ceremony at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home. Kristen Kelli Mathis was born on May 15, 1984 to Tommy and Ellen Mathis in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She passed away on October 20, 2022 at the age of 38. Kristi is survived by her husband of thirteen years, Derek Edwin Stephens of Fairview; daughter, Kaylyn Grace Stephens; son, Konner Graham Stephens; mother, Ellen Hicks Mathis of Natchitoches; father, James Thomas Mathis of Natchitoches; mother-in-law, Pamela Kay Stephens of Fairview; father-in-law, Clyde Richard Stephens of Fairview; brother-in-law, Justin Richard Stephens of Fairview; a niece Isabella Stephens; sister, Kimberly Ann Mathis of Pearl, MS; brother, James Landon Mathis and his wife Leny of Gonzales, LA; brother, Christopher Scott Godfrey and his wife Aline of Natchitoches; and brother, Michael Patrick Godfrey of Natchitoches. Blessed with a vibrant personality, Kristi was very outgoing; never meeting a stranger. She was a 2002 graduate of St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Natchitoches. Affectionately known as “KK,” or also referred to as “4,” Kristi was an outstanding basketball player, leading the St. Mary’s Lady Tigers to district championships and playoff wins. For her efforts, she received statewide honors and recognition, and was offered the opportunity to play at the collegiate level. Kristi loved athletics and outdoor activities, of which were reflected by her hobbies and interests. Happiest when wearing her ballcap and camouflage, she thoroughly enjoyed hunting and camping. She loved playing golf, especially with her group of older retirees, but most of all, playing recreational softball with her extended family and friends. Kristi coached various sports at various levels, always earning the admiration of her players due to her tremendous enthusiasm. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends, and her personable charm will always be remembered by those who knew and loved her. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include: Luke Mahloch, Douglas Dortlon, Shelby Hearold, Duke Waters, Robert Watson, CJ Comer, Hogan Nealy, and Tyler Griffith. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary DeBlieux, Johnny Cox, and Jason Parker. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff members of Natchitoches Regional Medical Center for their tireless effort, courtesy, and professionalism, and graciously acknowledge the blessing of all of their friends, extended family, and members of the community who have been so compassionate and supportive of them during this time.