In loving memory of Kristina Kay Carter, a devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, and friend. Born in Kerrville, Texas, on April 29, 1969, Kristina’s journey was one of unwavering dedication and boundless love. Surrounded by her family, she peacefully passed away in San Antonio, Texas, on April 9, 2024.
Kristina’s legacy is one of love, kindness, and commitment. Preceded in death by her father, Bob Ashley, and grandparents Oneida and James Gallant, Pearl and Leonard Ashley, and her beloved Great Aunt Thelma Gallant, she leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories.
She is survived by her mother, Marilyn Kay Gallant Watson and husband Tony, her husband of 18 years, Bradley Don Carter, her adored daughter, Sienna Kay Carter, her brother, Robert F. Ashley, Jr., and his wife, Neita Ashley, and her nephews Austin Thomas, Ethan Ashley, and Seth Ashley, as well as her extended family and a multitude of friends who were touched by her warmth and compassion.
As a child and teen, Kristina embraced life with enthusiasm, showing lambs, cattle, and participating in rodeo events such as barrel racing, pole bending, and goat tying. She loved her horse, Billy Tam, an ex-bulldogging horse she had when she was little who would slowlope around the barrels and poles until they got to the last barrel, where she’d drop the reins on the way home–and he could flat run a hole in the wind. He loved little Kristina, and they were well known around the area for this entertainment.
Kristina’s passion for education was evident throughout her remarkable 31-year teaching career. A graduate of Medina High School in 1987 and Tarleton State University in 1992, she pursued the dream she had beginning in 2nd grade of becoming a teacher with unwavering determination. From her early years in the Skidmore Independent School District to her return to her hometown to teach at Medina Elementary, Kristina’s impact on her students was profound.
In her classroom, Kristina’s patience, passion, and determination shone brightly, inspired by her upbringing and her experiences nurturing animals back to health in her youth. Her dedication to her students was matched only by her love for her family and her friends.
Among the cherished memories held dear in Kristina’s heart was the joyous celebration of her retirement party, where laughter and love filled the air as friends, family, and colleagues gathered to honor her 31-year teaching career. It was a testament to the impact she had made on countless lives and a reminder of the enduring bonds she forged with her friend throughout her journey.
After retiring from Medina ISD, Kristina returned to her passion for teaching, sharing her knowledge and love with the students at Pipe Creek Christian School.
Kristina loved her family, especially her cherished daughter, Sienna, and her husband, Brad. Together, the three of them developed a bond that was as strong as the Texas sun, rooted in their shared passions for raising sheep, and enjoying Sienna’s pursuits, be it her cheerleading, showing animals, playing sports, or acting on stage. Kristina’s love for her family radiated through every moment they spent together, whether caring for their sheep and dachshunds, or cheering on Sienna from the sidelines. Her commitment to her loved ones was as unwavering as her dedication to education, a career that she pursued with fervor and compassion.
Kristina Kay Carter will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her loving spirit, her unwavering dedication to her family and friends, and her enduring legacy of kindness and compassion. May her light continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her.
A visitation will be on April 16th, from 5-7PM at Grimes Bandera Funeral Chapel. Funeral service will take place on Wednesday, April 17th, at 2PM at Grimes Bandera Funeral Chapel with a burial to follow at Oak Rest Cemetery in Medina, Texas, with a reception at the Medina Community Library Rodney Pavilion.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Grimes Bandera Funeral Chapel.
