Staci Lynne Blackwell

God lovingly took Staci peacefully in her sleep on a Tuesday morning, December 9, 2025. Staci lived her life guided by a great love for God and family, a wonder for nature and a sense of adventure. Her gentle spirit and soft demeanor complemented her career as a nurse at both Liberty and North Kansas City Hospitals, until her health forced her to take a leave of absence. She attended Pleasant Valley Baptist Church for many years and was baptized four years ago when she rededicated her life to Christ.

An enthusiasm for history took Staci and her family to many national parks and campgrounds, visiting historical sites and museums. She traveled the country coast-to-coast, enjoying the concrete jungle of New York and the warmth of Los Angeles beaches as well as finding a happy place in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Road trips to South Dakota were the highlight of every fall. In Fall 2020, she conquered the strenuous hike up Crazy Horse despite her heart troubles. Hikes around Sylvan Lake were part of the adventure every visit, and it was Staci’s wish that part of her remains find rest there.

Christmas was her favorite time of year and she always started decorating in November, even before Thanksgiving. Each year she and her eldest son Justin created a huge display of inflatables and lights centered around the nativity scene and many would drive past their home to enjoy the display. Several trips to Silver Dollar City were a must each year, at least two at Christmas time to see the lights. She loved to drive Justin and Joy around the city night after night to see Christmas lights and displays.

Staci enjoyed riding dirtbikes with her son Caleb, fishing and camping with Justin, and crafting with her daughter, Gracen. She was overwhelmed with delight at the birth of her grandson, Marcus, and would make any excuse to see him. She also enjoyed collecting antiques, completing puzzles, learning to play guitar, and spent many hours studying her Bible.

Affectionately referred to as her “little blue house,” Staci took on a home remodeling project in downtown Liberty, which challenged and showcased her craftsmanship. There was no project that she and YouTube could not accomplish, and she loved her power tools so much that she named her beloved cat, Walter, after the DeWalt brand. Her favorite places to shop were Lowe’s and Home Depot.

A proud Marine like her Grandpa, Staci was very patriotic and loved her country. She also loved to watch the Kansas City Chiefs, and her family would describe her as “classy until the game starts!”

Staci was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Elgene and Lorene Andrews and paternal grandparents Homer and Edna Matthews. Her memory will be lovingly carried on by her mother: Joy Matthews; father: Glenn (Dolores) Matthews; sister: Amanda Timberlake; children: Justin Blackwell, Gracen (Robert) Higareda, and Caleb Blackwell; grandson: Marcus Higareda; beloved cat: Walter; and a wealth of family and friends.

Above all, Staci would want to share that she is with the Lord, healed and made whole. She is free of the ailments she suffered on this Earth. In the margins of her Bible, full of annotations, she had dedicated the following verses to her children:

For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. … I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ -- which is far better -- To remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Philippians 1: 21, 23-24

In lieu of flowers, the family hopes to collect funds for the ongoing care of Staci’s son, Justin. Information for this fund will be shared when available.