Friday, March 29, 2024

Kristi Hanson – Obituary

It is with sadness that the passing of Kristi Hanson, 63, a 35-year landowner and resident from the Azotus community of south Pope County, Illinois is acknowledged.  Kristi left this earthly existence on January 27, 2016.

Kristi was born on April 20, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois and was raised in the city.  She is survived by her spouse and partner of 40 years Mark Donham, from Pope County,  her parents, Arlene and Robert Hanson of Stoughton, Wisconsin, sister Susan (Hanson) Palumbo and husband John from Barrington Hills, Illinois, and brother Peter Hanson and wife Kim from Naperville, Illinois.

 

Kristi loved the visual arts.  She was employed for the past 12 plus years at Gallery 600 in Paducah, under the mentorship of long time gallery owner Nancy Flowers.  She was respected for her skills in conserving, presenting, and repairing art.  She was a founding member of the Paducah Wastelanders artist group, and was recognized for her unique gourd sculptures and paintings.  She was president of the Jackson Purchase Audubon for many years, and held a deep concern for the environment.  She loved nature, and worked diligently for decades to protect public forests in southern Illinois and Western Kentucky.  She loved organic gardening and won a number of blue ribbons for her flowers at the McCracken County fair.  She was an accomplished drummer, having played in the Just Us Band, The Rhythm Women and Groove Daddies, and most recently, the Melungeons.

Kristi was a special person who had a kind, gentle, but tough spirit.  She was a humble person, but had natural leadership qualities.  Her skills, spirit, and love helped to weave the fabric of this community, and her loss will be hard to replace.

Burial was January 30, 2016 at Azotus Cemetery in Pope County, Illinois.

Arrangements were entrusted to Aly Funeral Home.