Kerri Elizabeth Laird (Stump), 58, passed away on April 9, 2020, with her daughter and a sister at her side, following an extended illness and battling cancer for the second time.
Kerri was born on March 28, 1962 to Dr. Fred and Betty Stump in Burlington, Washington, the third of four girls. Graduating from Burlington-Edison High School with the Class of 1980, she lettered in volleyball, played the saxophone in concert and stage band, as well as served as ASB treasurer. She attended Pacific Lutheran University and Western Washington University to study accounting before moving to Florida in the early 80’s, where she lived until returning home to Skagit Valley in 2006.
A little shy and very stubborn, Kerri was a kind friend who, despite practicing social distancing before it was a “thing,” would step up and help whenever she was asked. She could always make you smile (or more likely laugh out loud with a quick quip!). Not really a traditionalist, she did have one unwavering routine – Wednesday night was “Survivor” night, and she would settle in with her dog, Chopper, to text a steady stream of banter with Jim Rabenstein. A loving mother to Adam and Amanda, Kerri raised her two children mostly as a single mother while working as a commercial lines underwriter in Orlando, Florida.
She is survived by her daughter, Amanda Winter (Jacob); mother, Betty Stump (Jim Neff); sisters, Kris Adams, Kim McSheridan, and Kelli Stangel (Chris); honorary sister, Cheryl DeJonge; step-brothers, Marc (Mary), Doug (Becky), and Kevin Neff; step-daughter, Stephanie Maynard; nieces, Shawn Adams and Kendra McSheridan; nephews, Nick Adams, Alex McSheridan, and Chris, Matt & Aaron Beaulaurier; grandniece, Baily Green; as well as numerous cousins and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her father, Fred Stump; son, Adam Wolfe; former husband, Bruce Laird; uncle, Lou Imhof; grandparents, Christ & Katie Stump and Louis & Matilda Imhof and brother-in-law, Randy Adams.
Her family would like to thank the staff at Skagit Valley Hospital for the care they provided during her illness, as well as Ryan & Michelle Neff and their kids for providing Chopper with a loving forever home. A celebration of life will be held when friends and family are able to come together and share their memories of Kerri. Arrangements are under the care of Lemley Chapel.
I am deeply saddened to hear of kerri’s passing. May she Rest In Peace
Sorry to hear about Kerri passing. I have wonderful memories of Kerri and my daughter Kathy during school years. Kerri was always a joy to be around. Loved her laugh and spirit. Prayers to all the family.
I was a coworker and friend of Kerri’s in Orlando. She was so smart, fun, lovely, and dear to me for many years. We had lots of fun together.
My condolences to Amanda and the Stump family.
Prayers to her family
My thoughts are with Kerri’s family you have had many family members gone too soon.💙 And I want to thank Lauren for her story about Kerri …when I’m having a bad day or feeling blue I’ll remember her saying at least you didnt sh*t your pants did you!! Love to you all.
She will always be remembered as a wonderful friend to all, so sweet and funny at the same time. You will be so missed.
So very sorry for your loss. I remember Kerri for her kindness. Prayers to your family
Kelly and Christy Hawley
I worked with Kerri in Orlando and she always made me laugh.. Her infectious laugh was so great to hear. The only time I saw her almost crack was when Adam died. That is any mother’s worst nightmare but she had amazing strength.
So sorry to hear of her passing at such a young age. I know she will be missed! Condolences to the whole family.
Awwww I am so sorry to see this. I have always known the family and respected them. Jeri (DeMarco) Hubbard
Sending to you, Kris and your entire family, my deepest sympathy.
1. If you knew one Stump girl, you knew the whole family.
2. I will always have fond memories of the Stump Family filling up a pew at St. Charles Catholic Church. I had Kerri in my First Communion class.
3. Kerri was always the life of the party with a smile and a laugh. She beamed with happiness.
Thanks for being an amazing BEHS Tiger forever!
Oh what a loss. A great sense of humor and laugh. She will be missed. Our sympathies to the family.
Frank remembers her from National Frozen Foods. Much sympathy to the whole family, been a rough few months. Will keep you all in prayer. ❤
Was sorry yo hear this news. Kerri was always fun when she’d watch survivor and message me.
Prayers to the family. She will be missed..
Kerri could always make us laugh, she will be missed. Prayers for her family and for the repose of her soul.
I first met Kerri in 2015! She was a “regular” at Whidbey coffee where I worked at the time! But she wasn’t just a customer! It took nothing but the time it took me to steep her tea and we were off! From day one Kerri and I clicked, her upbeat, positive, and honest personality was something that could not be ignored! She made going to work not just a job! Seeing Kerri everyday through the drive thru she became more of my adopted mom than just a customer! Kerri cared so much about everyone she crossed paths with as long as they were a “decent human”! I remember my first Valentine’s Day after getting out of a long term relationship (Singles awareness day if you asked Kerri) she rolled up to the coffee shop later than usual and just as I was about to give her a hard time about being late she set a blizzard on the ledge and said “HAPPY SINGLES AWARENESS DAY FROM CHOPPER, THE ONLY GUY YOU NEED”!! Kerri truly was could bring light to any situation! My favorite thing she’d always ask me when I’d tell her I’d been have a bad day was “Did you Sh*t your pants today” and when I’d say no she’d always say “Well then it sounds like a good day to me”! And I’m sorry if I may offend someone but well all know that’s how Kerri said it! After I left Whidbey coffee after 3 years her and I kept in contact over Facebook for a while and then life got the best of us. She’d always said instead of “where’s Waldo” it was “where’s Lauren”!
I forever will be grateful for my experience with this incredible woman, she will he so missed!
I will forever view everyday as a good day…as long as I don’t sh*t my pants! ♥️
I worked with Kerri in the lab at National Frozen Foods when we were in high school. She was a genuinely kind person and had a wonderful sense of humor and such a great laugh. Prayers to her family and bless her memory.