'Everybody's best friend' — 2 families come together to express their grief and love

LEHI — When Stacey Palizzi moved to Utah Valley six years ago she didn't have a job or a place to live. Kristy Ragsdale befriended her, let her stay in her home and helped her find a job at Dillard's.

Family members say that's how Ragsdale lived her life — helping others, without inhibitions or fear. "If she had something to give, she would do it," said Stacey Palizzi, who became Ragsdale's sister-in-law.

Ragsdale's family took a few moments Wednesday to speak with the Deseret Morning News about her life. Her life came to a violent end Sunday — her 30th birthday.

Kristy's estranged husband, David Ragsdale, is accused of shooting her to death with a 9mm handgun just after she stepped out of her vehicle to go to LDS Church services at her wardhouse in Lehi.

As Kristy's family prepares for her funeral Saturday, members paused to remember her — a middle child and the only girl among the family's five children — as outgoing, intelligent and comfortable with herself.

And she spoke her mind and loved unconditionally, said Tony Palizzi, Kristy's oldest brother.

"She was everybody's best friend," Tony Palizzi said.

Tony Palizzi said the family has received calls from people all across the country who knew her, telling the family how much they loved her and that she was their "best friend."

Said Tony Palizzi: "She had a big enough heart to have a lot of best friends."

Despite the tragedy, the family is doing "remarkably well," Tony Palizzi said.

Those who want to contribute to Kristy Ragsdale's family can help by emulating Kristy and serving others, Tony Palizzi said.

"Emulate Kristy and find someone to serve," Tony Palizzi said.

Stacey Palizzi said she hopes people won't be afraid of going to church because of what happened to Kristy.

"She wouldn't want people to stop going to church" because they were scared, Stacey Palizzi said.

Kristy Ragsdale's death should encourage people to take a closer look at their lives and the lives of their friends and family, Tony Palizzi said.

"If somebody thinks they have a family member in a dangerous situation, (they should) make sure they're there to extend a hand," he said, declining to say more about the couple's relationship that, according to court documents, had taken stormy turns.