Mrs. Kristi L. Waidmann

Kristi L. (Bell) Waidmann, 58, of Florissant, Missouri, passed away on March 9, 2026, at home surrounded by loved ones after a period of fragile health. Born on January 29, 1968, in Illinois, she was the daughter of George R. and Sally Ann (Melton) Bell. She grew up in Chatham and Pawnee, where she formed many lifelong friendships, before attending Eastern Illinois University.

Kristi married the love of her life, Ed Waidmann, on April 29, 2006. Together they shared nearly twenty years filled with music, creative pursuits, travel, and cherished time with family and friends. They were devoted to their dogs, first their longtime companion Ellie and later Kit Kat. Kristi embraced the pineapple as a symbol of warmth, welcome, and generosity, living by that philosophy throughout her life. She spent many years in the hospitality industry, where her kind and welcoming nature flourished, and later found purpose in human research protections, where she supported and cared for study volunteers.

Known for her kindness, patience, sense of humor, and warm smile, Kristi had a special gift for making others feel valued and at ease. She delighted in preparing special meals for loved ones, excelled at thoughtful gift-giving, and remembered even the smallest details about the people in her life. An artistic soul, she pursued many creative hobbies and was often called the craft queen. Though she had no children of her own, she deeply loved her nieces and nephews and many other young people who affectionately knew her as “Aunt Kristi.” She built a large and loving family through connection and care.

Kristi cherished travel and time spent with family and friends. She loved the beach and enjoyed many trips to Florida, as well as visits to Branson, Tennessee, Las Vegas, and other destinations. She was preceded in death by her parents, several aunts and uncles, her mother- and father-in-law, and Ellie. She is survived by her husband Ed, his siblings, her brother, her nieces and nephews, her dog Kit Kat, and many beloved family members both by blood and by choice.