Kristi Averwater (formerly Kristi Morrow), age 60, passed away on June 29th 2026 . She will be remembered for her intelligence, adventurous spirit, generosity, and deep devotion to her family and friends.

Kristi was the beloved wife of James Averwater. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Stephanie Horgan, and a loving mother-in-law to Brendan Horgan. She was also a cherished stepmother to Jami Averwater and her husband, Alan, to Taylor Day and his wife, Stephanie, and to Greg Morrow. Kristi especially treasured being "Oma" to her beloved granddaughters, Adelaide Horgan and Paige Horgan, and was a proud grandmother to Layla Day, Lorelai Day, Bryson Brown, Lily Morrow and Leia Morrow. Her grandchildren were among the greatest joys of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

She is also survived by her brother, Jim Behm (Lisa) of Lakeland, Florida; her sister, Cheryl Phillips (Terry) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and numerous extended family members, dear friends, and colleagues.

Kristi was preceded in death by her parents, Viola Olive Behm and James Victor Behm, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

Kristi was committed to lifelong learning and personal growth. She earned her undergraduate degree from a senior business college in Orlando, Florida, and later completed her Executive MBA at Vanderbilt University. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Kristi built a distinguished career in healthcare financial operations, where she was respected for her expertise, leadership, integrity, and dedication to improving the organizations and communities she served. As a natural born leader, she devoted her life to improving the lives of those around her in many leadership positions, including as a long time board member of United Way of Greater Nashville. Her professional accomplishments reflected her determination, intelligence, and commitment to excellence.

An avid outdoorswoman, Kristi loved spending time in nature and embraced adventure at every opportunity. She enjoyed hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting, and took great pride in being self-reliant and skilled in the outdoors. A capable and accomplished hunter and angler, she could clean a fish as confidently as she could field dress game, reflecting the independence, resilience, and determination that characterized her life. She was also passionate about sewing, cooking, and traveling, embracing every opportunity to create, learn, and experience new adventures. Her warmth, curiosity, and kindness enriched the lives of everyone who knew her.

Above all, Kristi treasured her family and friends. She was known for her thoughtful and generous spirit, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her kindness, love, encouragement, strength, and unwavering support touched countless lives and will remain a lasting gift to those fortunate enough to have known her.

Visitation with the family will be held at Murfreesboro Funeral Home, 145 Innsbrooke Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN 37128 on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 2:30pm – 4:00pm. The Celebration of Life service will follow in the chapel at 4:00pm. Pastor Ken Kangas will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Way of Greater Nashville in Kristi's memory.

The family invites all who knew and loved Kristi to join them in celebrating her life and sharing cherished memories. "Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day."