Kurstin Karr, 36, Mound City, Missouri, formerly of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026, after a valiant, three-year battle with breast cancer.
She was born August 16, 1989 in St. Joseph to Randy and Michelle (Nell) Maddox. Kurstin grew up in St. Joseph, where she was a 2008 graduate of Benton High School and also earned her Certified Nurse’s Aide certificate from Hillyard Technical School.
After being manager at CiCi’s Pizza and working at nursing homes, Kurstin earned her Certified Medical Assistant certification and worked at Mosaic Life Care for 11 years in the Rheumatoid Arthritis Office.
On February 11, 2022, Kurstin married Craig Karr, who survives of the home.
Always up for an adventure, Kurstin enjoyed mud racing and riding side-by-sides, but her true love on wheels was her 1970 Chevy Nova, which she enjoyed taking to car shows.
Family was a huge part of her life. She loved spending time with family and friends, especially at big dinners and get-togethers. She leaves a legacy of love and strength, reminding them often during her cancer battle to, “Get up, put on your big-girl pants, and go!” Her famous words were, “I got this.”
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, “PawPaw” Kenny Sipes, “MawMaw” Deane Alkire, and “PawPaw” Tim Alkire; great-grandmother, Juanita Maddox; and mother-in-law, Sharon Karr.
Survivors include her husband, Craig; daughter, Dacie Langston; bonus children; her parents, Randy and Michelle Maddox; grandmother, “MawMaw” Jeannie Sipes; sister and partner in crime, Kendy Dafford (Robert); nephew, “Little Man” Robert Dafford III; numerous other extended family members and friends.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Friday, January 23, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, January 22, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family requests that attendees wear very casual attire and please bring your classic cars and motorcycles. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a college fund for Kurstin’s daughter, Dacie. Please send donations to Michelle Maddox, 1312 Sacramento St., St. Joseph, MO 64503.
