Kristi Milstead, 51, formerly of Wichita Falls, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

The family will receive friends at visitation from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24th at Lunn's. Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 25th at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. John McLarty and Rev. Paul Goodrich officiating.

A daughter of Mary Ann (Lacewell) and J.B. Darland, Kristi was born on August 6, 1974, in Wichita Falls. Kristi lived a life defined by love, kindness, faith, and an unwavering devotion to her family and friends.

She grew up in Burkburnett, Texas, where she attended Burkburnett High School and proudly served as a member of the Boomtown Babes. After high school, Kristi attended Midwestern State University, where she became a member of Chi Omega Sorority. It was there she formed many of the friendships that would last a lifetime. More importantly, it was where she met the love of her life, Britt.

Kristi studied childhood education and began her teaching career at Washington Jackson Elementary. Later she taught at Ben Franklin Elementary. She loved helping children learn and grow. She cherished the relationships she built with the teachers and staff she worked alongside throughout her career.

While she loved teaching, nothing brought Kristi more joy than being a wife and mother. She and Britt built a wonderful life together and were blessed with three incredible sons: Carter, Hudson, and Tate. They were the center of her world. She loved her boys more than words can express and took immense pride in the young men they became.

Family meant everything to Kristi. She shared a special bond with her mother and sister, speaking with them every day. Those daily conversations reflected the closeness and love that defined her family relationships. She treasured every moment spent with those she loved.

Kristi was known by everyone for her kind and gentle heart. She had a unique ability to make people feel valued, welcomed, and loved. Over the years, she developed countless friendships, and she cherished every one of them. During life's most difficult moments, those friends lifted her up, just as she had spent years lifting others. The love and support she received was a reflection of the countless lives she touched through her kindness and compassion.

In 2014, Kristi was diagnosed with cancer. Throughout her journey, she displayed extraordinary courage, grace, and strength. She never wanted cancer to define her. She never wanted to be known as "the mom with cancer." She simply wanted to be known as Mom. She faced every challenge with dignity and determination, rarely complaining and continuing to live her life as fully as possible.

Faith was a cornerstone of Kristi's life. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and participated in women's Bible studies at Faith Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church in Lubbock. Through these communities, she formed meaningful friendships and deepened her relationship with God. Her faith provided comfort, strength, and peace throughout her life's journey, and she found great reassurance in knowing God was always beside her.

During the final weeks of her life, Kristi was surrounded by family and friends who loved her deeply. The outpouring of support, prayers, visits, and encouragement is a true testament to the way she lived her life.

Kristi leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, courage, and unconditional love. She taught us how to live with grace, how to care for others, and how to face life's challenges with strength and hope. While our hearts ache in her absence, we find comfort knowing she is no longer in pain and is now at peace in the presence of her Savior.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Along with her father, J.B. Darland, Kristi was also preceded in death by many aunts, uncles and grandparents whom she loved dearly.

She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Britt Milstead; sons, Carter, Hudson and Tate Milstead; mother, Mary Ann Darland; sister Kelli Mills and husband, Aaron; niece Mallory Mills; nephew Greyson Mills; In-laws Karl and Barbara Milstead; brother-in-law Blaine Milstead, wife Helen, niece Reese Milstead and nephew Jake Milstead.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Wichita Falls.