Kristina “Kristi” Houser, 82, of Athens, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on October 4, 2026.
Kristi was born December 24, 1943, in Abilene, Texas. Born into a military family, Kristi grew up living in communities and on military bases throughout the United States, Brazil, and Japan. She spent her early teenage years in Japan, an experience that helped shape her lifelong curiosity, love of travel, and appreciation for different people and cultures.
Kristi graduated from Wakefield High School in Virginia in 1962, where she was in the top 10 percent of her class. She attended The Catholic University of America before transferring to the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. After graduating from UCSB, Kristi remained in California for a time before her family relocated to the East Coast.
In Maryland, Kristi taught English and Drama at Damascus High School. She later started a theater in New York City before moving to Ohio, where she worked at Tri-County Mental Health and Counseling Services from 1978 to 1985. In 1982, she earned her Ph.D. in Counseling from Ohio University and became a licensed psychologist in 1985. She went on to establish a private psychology practice, where she continued helping others until 2024.
Kristi was loving, nurturing, energetic, intelligent, and funny. She loved singing, dancing, playing guitar, traveling, and spending time with loved ones. She had a gift for spreading positivity and making others feel loved.
Kristi and her husband, Bob, were married October 27, 1984 sharing 42 years of love, laughter, and life together. One of her greatest joys was raising her daughter, Cara, whom she and Bob adopted in February 1993. Kristi and Cara shared a bond like no other, and being Cara’s mother brought Kristi immeasurable joy.
Kristi is survived by her beloved husband, Bob; daughter, Cara (Josh) Kohl; step-daughter, Lori Smith; sister, Wilma Yost; brother, Paul (Kathy) Houser; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and extended in-laws.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Margarita Houser, and brother-in-law, Rob Yost.
Kristi leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, creativity, curiosity, and joy. She found beauty in everyday life and encouraged others to do the same. She was deeply loved and will be remembered for her love, laughter, kindness, and the light she brought to the lives of those around her.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Morrison Funeral Chapel. You may send a message of comfort to the family by visiting www.morrisonfc.com.