Karri McKenzie

Karri McKenzie, a beloved mom, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend, born April 1963 to Shari and Louren McKenzie. Karri celebrated her 60th birthday this year and passed away suddenly on October 8, 2023 in Bakersfield, California.

 

Karri has two daughters Melissa Lynne and Shaundra Lewis and 5 grandchildren Thomas Ramirez, James Lewis, Matthew Ramirez, Carleigh Lewis (her only granddaughter and best friend) and Jerimiah Lewis. She has an older sister Terri Martin and younger brother Larry McKenzie, niece Kristin Garrett,(Brett) nephew Steven Garrett, Aunt Linda,(Pat), cousin Gina Saba, (Tom), cousin Duva Moore and numerous other family members. The Cooke and Matteucci Family have been like family to her. As well as many life long friends. They all cared and loved her.

 

Karri is preceded in death by her parents, and several other family members.

 

Karri spent her life serving and helping others in the medical field. She started out in the ROC program in high-school (West High School Graduate) and began working at Mercy Hospital Downtown at age 16. She continued to work in the medical field, working many years. She started with San Dimas Medical Group in 1989 and continued with San Dimas /Mercy SW Hospital OBGYN / Labor and Delivery. She was a first assist in surgery and she assisted in delivering and caring for thousands of babies throughout her career. In 2000 , she then assisted in the opening of the OBGYN department in Bakersfield for Kaiser Permanente. Karri remained working for Kaiser nearly 20 years until she retired a few years ago. Karri made many life long friends along the way. Karri had the biggest heart, was incredibly kind, and would do anything for anyone and often did. Karri was quick witted, could always make anyone laugh and her personality was contagious. Anyone who knows her, knows she absolutely loved the beach. She was beyond giving. She was a very proud Mom and Grandma. Her two daughters and five grandchildren were her world and she was so proud of them all. She loved talking about them to everyone and sharing photos every opportunity she had.

 

Karri did not want normal traditional funeral services instead she wanted to BBQ to celebrate her life and a private ceremony will take place later in time. These arrangements are pending and will be announced. Her daughter Melissa or Kern River Mortuary can be contacted for more information.

 

We want to give Karri the memorial she deserves, to honor her memory and say our last goodbyes. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to her daughters to help them. Donations can be made via venmo, zelle, cash or check. For donation information please contact Melissa or Kern River Mortuary.

 

Karri was so loved and will be missed by many.

Our family would like to thank the many nurses, specialists and staff at Adventist Health Hospital and Kaiser physicians for taking such good care of Karri and our family during this challenging time. We would also like to thank Rob and the staff at Kern River Mortuary for their compassion and care. And to all the individuals who have reached out to the family.