Carrie Stafford Berhorst

Carrie Stafford Berhorst was born April 24, 1954 in Kansas City, MO to Barbara Lewise Buxton. She passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on February 12, 2016 surrounded by those that she loved.

Her proudest achievements and the greatest loves of her life were her children. She loved them with all of her heart. Their joys and triumphs were also hers. Carrie had the ability to make others feel special and loved. Everyone she met remarked on the warmth of her smile and spirit. No matter what was happening, she was able to make you laugh, see the bright side of things, and give meaningful advice. She made you feel at ease, as if you'd known her forever.

Carrie attended Stephenson High School in Prairie View, IL, graduating in 1972.

She attended Chatham College in Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a BS in biology in 1976. She received her MS in biology from Illinois State University in 1981. In 1987, she moved from Bloomington, IL back to Kansas City to be close to her mother. She graduated from the University of Kansas School of Nursing with a BS in Nursing in 1989. She worked as a Neonatal Nurse for 23 years at the University of Kansas Hospital before retiring in 2011. Carrie had a curious mind and loved to learn.

Carrie had a passion for horses and riding. She rediscovered her love in recent years and in the process met some of her dearest friends. The barn is a place where she felt very content. She loved to travel with the people she loved. Some places she enjoyed the most were the Caribbean, Africa, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, and Palm Springs. She also enjoyed yoga, Kansas Basketball, the Chiefs, the Royals, trying new restaurants or enjoying old favorites, and shopping. She became best friends with Lori Ryan when they were 3 and two years old and they have remained close all these years.

We want her to know how much we love her with all of our hearts. Nothing will be able to fill the void in our lives, but we will go on living it to the best of our abilities, loving one another and taking it one day at a time. We'll really miss talking to her, getting advice, and joking around. It was the simple moments with her that were the most special.

Carrie is survived by her husband of 24 years, Robin Berhorst, whom she met through mutual friends; son Jack Corbin Berhorst of Lawson, MO; daughter Meghan Barbara Jesse of Kansas City, MO; friends too numerous to count, but special ones include dearest friend Lori Ryan, Cassie, Rena, Marsy, Gail, Julie, Kina, Kim, and Stephanie. She was preceded in death by her mother Barbara Buxton Mickey and her stepfather Donald B. Mickey.

Visitation will be held at McGilley Midtown Chapel at 10:00am Saturday February 20, 2015. The memorial service will be held at 11:00am the same day. The family suggests contributions be made in honor of Carrie to CANTER, The Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (canterusa.org) or The American Cancer Society (cancer.org). Online condolences may be offered at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com. Arrangements through McGilley Midtown Chapel, 816-753-6200