2/3/1963 – 7/16/2025
Lawrence
Mary Kristina “Kristi” Heinz (Kouloukis), Lawrence, Kan., crossed the rainbow bridge July 16, 2025, summoned by her beloved Homer, Astro, Bernie, Hooper, Lulu, Tina, Whitney, Havoc, Henri, Phyllis and numerous other four-legged friends. She is currently frolicking in a field of daisies, surrounded by her beautiful pets, friends, and family, who led the way.
Kristi was born February 3, 1963, in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of Patricia Stevens, stepdaughter of Mike Stevens. She was one of four children.
She grew up in Prairie Village, Kan., and attended Shawnee Mission East High School. She moved west, far above the golden valley, glorious to view—where she climbed Mount Oread and earned a degree in Radio, TV and Film. She was a proud Jayhawk the remainder of her life.
She married George Kouloukis. They raised their pride and joy, Olivia, and later divorced.
Kristi was truly kind to everyone. She loved traveling with friends; salty chips and salsa; and sitting by the inflatable pool in the heat of the summer, sipping on a cold beverage. If there was a party in town, there was a good chance it was at Kristi’s house. She valued people and animals above the pursuit of money or material possessions. She was rewarded with a circle of friends that wraps around the globe.
She supported herself through school, working as a bookkeeper, daycare provider and office assistant. After graduation she worked various office jobs. She was a DJ for KLWN/KLZR and KJHK; she worked as a sales associate at Sunflower International, which most people erroneously called “The Casbah”. She later owned the store, along with her business partners. She sold cars and worked at the contractors desk at Home Depot. She was then the office manager at a home remodeling and construction company.
She earned a certificate in massage therapy, and provided therapeutic and relaxing massages. While going to massage therapy school she worked as a bookkeeper for a flooring company and as a para at a middle school. In addition to working as a massage therapist she also worked as an administrative assistant at a friend’s law office. She had an incredible work ethic and provided for her family, putting their needs above her own.
Kristi had a daily meditation and yoga practice that was very important to her.
She was diagnosed with multiple system atrophy (MSA), a disease that robbed her of her independence but couldn’t dim her inner and outer beauty. She gave everything to others in this life, and continues to give. She donated her body and brain to science, but kept her plucky spirit because you never know when you might come back around.
Kristi is survived by her daughter, Olivia Kouloukis, Portland, Ore., sister and brother-in-law Jack and Kim Savage, Long Beach, Miss., niece Lily Savage and her husband George Sovich, Las Vegas, Nev., and numerous friends in and around Lawrence and Baldwin City. She followed her mother, and brothers Tim Heinz and Dennis Heinz to a better place—one with no political ads or pain.
Friends are invited to raise a toast to Kristi when they gather with loved ones, or donate to either of these worthy causes:
Best Friends Animal Society (bestfriends.org)
The mission of Best Friends Animal Society is to bring about a time when there are No More Homeless Pets®
Babatree International (babatree.org)
Babatree’s Vision: We are committed to a world where everyone has the knowledge and ability to contribute to peace within themselves and with others, and where this wisdom is passed on from generation to generation.
Friends will hold Kristi’s afterlife party, A Step Beyond in October 2025. Details will be posted on Kristi’s FaceBook page.
It’s with deepest gratitude and love to the circle of friends and family who stood by my side through this journey.
To Olivia, you’re my greatest gift. I love you more than all of the stars in the universe and that’s billions and billions.
To my sister, Kim, your love and support have been invaluable to me as I have traversed this path. Heinz sisters forever!
To all of the caregivers at Vintage Park Assisted Living, Evergreen Community of Johnson County and Olathe Hospice House, thank you so much for your care and compassion. To Joe at Central National Bank, thank you for going above and beyond.
Be loving and forgiving. Be patient and kind.
Namaste,
Kristi
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