Kristi Lou Opp Kilpatrick

Kristi Lou (Swearingen) Opp Kilpatrick of Greeley, Colorado, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, after a short and difficult battle with esophageal cancer. Our hearts are broken, and we will miss her dearly, but we rejoice in the knowledge that she is whole, perfect and in the presence of her Holy God for eternity. Kristi was born on January 25, 1958, in Lincoln, Nebraska to Bill and Jane Swearingen. She grew up in Lincoln and graduated from Northeast High School in 1976. Kristi grew up riding bikes through the neighborhood, playing school and making mudpies with her sister, and joining her brother in games of cowboys and Indians, as well as “soldiers”—often serving as the “tank,” shooting from under a blanket while being pushed in a found shopping cart. She worked at King’s Food Host and was active in Campus Life. After high school she worked as a dental assistant until becoming a stay-at-home mom. It was during high school at Campus Life where she played The Dating Game in which she picked a date from three contestants. She and her pick then went on a double date with a guy who had also played The Dating Game and the girl that he had selected. This guy's name was Kevin Opp. On this blind double date Kevin and Kris did not connect with the dates they'd picked but instead connected with each other! They dated three years and then married in 1977, and by 1985 had three children. A lifelong animal lover, Kristi always had a large dog by her side (and often in her lap) and, over the years she and her kids had a variety of pets including fish, a cat, a canary, turtles, a parrot, a rabbit, gerbils, and hamsters. After moving to Greeley in 1985, Kristi became deeply involved in her children’s Christian school, Dayspring, where she managed the grocery certificate fundraiser for many years. Kristi lost her first love and the father of her children, Kevin, in a plane crash in 1992, and became a single mother of three at the age of 34. Kristi was able to be a stay-at-home mom even after the accident and she handled the loss and subsequent years of parenting alone with grace and courage. God, in his faithfulness, brought Kristi a second love in Larry Kilpatrick, and 9 years after the loss of Kevin, she and Larry were married. Kristi was a gracious hostess who brought people together—hosting themed birthday parties for her kids each year with homemade cakes, middle and high school gatherings, holiday celebrations, and an annual Easter feast for over a hundred guests. Her home was always open, filled with warmth, laughter, and good food! Later in life, Kristi became a Certified Nurse Assistant, serving compassionately on the oncology and birthing units, and providing home care for the elderly. She cared for six hospice patients in her own home, offering comfort and love in their final days. Ever the nurturer and adventurer, she opened her charming Victorian home as an Airbnb and enjoyed camping trips with her husband and close friends in their pop-up camper. Kristi cherished her family. She was devoted to her three children, two stepsons and eight grandchildren, four of which she lovingly babysat and supported at every event and milestone and four of which she would fly 2-3 times a year to visit in Hawaii. Kristi came to know Jesus Christ in high school through the Campus Life ministry. Her faith in Him was the focal point and driving force for every choice she made in life and for her deep desire to serve all those around her—family, friends, and community. She and Larry had a rotating schedule to pray for their children and grandchildren each day, and Kristi strove to be a godly wife, mother, grandmother, and friend every day of her life. Kristi never met a stranger! She and Larry welcomed folks from all over the world and every walk of life to their Bed and Breakfast. They sought to use their home and their hospitality as a ministry of the love of Jesus to all who crossed their threshold. Kristi suffered greatly during her battle with cancer, but she never missed an opportunity to thank her hospital staff, from the physician to the housekeeper. She knew their names and asked about the vacation they were taking. Many staff members were aware of Kristi’s faith and prayed with her, especially in her hardest moments. Kristi is survived by her husband of nearly 24 years, Larry; her children, Natalie (David) Mash, Ryan Opp, and Steven (Ashley) Opp; her stepsons, Josiah (Nicole) Kilpatrick and Micah Kilpatrick; eight grandchildren, Cecily, Everett, Olivia, Nathan, Simeon, Ethan, Evangeline, and Gideon; siblings, Pam Gates, Ann Schluter, and Bill Swearingen; and many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her first husband, Kevin Opp. A Celebration of Kristi’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Cornerstone Community Church, 1321 9th Avenue in Greeley, Colorado. A reception will follow at the church. A private family burial will be held at Linn Grove Cemetery.

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Kristi Lou Opp Kilpatrick

January 25, 1958 - October 14, 2025