For those who were familiar with my friend Kristi Bartow, it is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that she went away this morning after a courageous fight against cancer. She passed away peacefully in her sleep. During her time in Montana, Kristi was accompanied by her sister Kelly Haddrill, who was providing her with care. As she walked with our LORD, Kristi was a shining example of what it means to be a wife, mother, and friend according to Proverbs 31.
During her time as an active member of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Bartow, she held positions such as Director of the Sabbath Knights, Teacher of the Sunday School, Member of the Crusaders Class, and Member of the Worldwide Outreach Circle. Kristi had a heart of humility and a desire to serve her LORD and Savior, and she enjoyed doing so.
The sound of her dazzling voice was the soundtrack to our existence, and her charming smile had the power to illuminate a whole stadium. Despite the fact that she was most proud of her accomplishments as a wife and mother, she was also a Licensed Practical Nurse, the co-Founder of Geneva Classical Academy, and the founder and President of CivilSurv Design Group, Inc.
She graduated from Sebring High School and South Florida Community College, which is now known as S.F. State College. She had a profound concern for the families who comprised the CivilSurv Team, and she was cherished by each and every one of them. She was an outstanding employer. Recognition as an Honorary Member and Sustaining Firm of the Florida Surveying and Mapping Society, the Geneva Founders and Backbone Awards, and active membership in the Ridge League of Cities and the Polk County Business and Consultant communities are just some of the many awards that she has received.
A mother who was consoling, a wife who was caring, a grandmother who spoiled her grandchildren, the best Aunt, a sister and daughter who were loved, and the perfect hostess, Kristi was a friend who was cherished and genuine to all.
She was the most devoted fan of the Gators and reigned supreme among the TailGators. Her heart knew that there were birds on one more weed line, and she was always looking for one more run over the horizon. She was a devoted offshore fisherman, and she was always looking for more. She was a true Florida fanatic, and she was most at ease when she was wearing her bare feet.
She was also in love with anything that was outside, especially the sea. She is survived by her husband of nearly 32 years, Jack; her children Jacob and Brandi Breed, and Luke Breed; and her grandson Case Breed, all of Bartow; her parents Wayne and Sandra Harris of Sebring; her siblings Mark and Brook Breed, Charlotte Heston, Kenneth and Hollie Johnson, Kerry and Pam Harris, all of Sebring.
David and Paula Breed, of Panama City Beach; and twelve nieces and nephews. She was married to Jack for nearly 32 years. In the year 1964, on the Saturday before Easter, Kristi made her entrance into this world.
After a seven-month struggle with an incredibly uncommon form of cancer known as cholangiocarcinoma, our Lord and Savior, who is sovereign, called Kristi home on April 4, 2015, the Saturday before Easter. She was safely at home, around by the people she cared about. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend a visitation that will take place on Thursday evening, April 9, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, which is located at 650 East Main Street in Bartow
