Kari Kirkland Thacker, 45, of Richmond, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington.

Born in Maysville on February 22, 1978, she was the daughter of Keith Kirkland and Brenda Hord Kirkland.

Kari was a 1996 graduate of Fleming County High School ("Once a Panther, always a Panther") and a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University.  For 24 years she worked as a teacher.  She was a special education teacher for McNabb Middle School in Mount Sterling.   She was a member of the Flemingsburg Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents Keith and Brenda, she is survived by her two children, Corbin Thacker and Cohen Thacker; her fiancé, Brian Livesay; her sister, Katie (husband James) Finley; special aunts and uncles, Beverly and Gary Cooper, Johnny and Rhonda Hord, Kim Hord and Paul Kirkland Jr.; special cousins, Dayna and Steve Brown, Lori and Johnny Saunders, Trevor and Rachel Kirkland, Bret Kirkland, Jessica Hord, Robbie Hord, Amanda and Mark Fogleman and Bryan and Lexie Hord Brian and Janeen Wallingford, Jeffrey Wallingford and Patrick and Shanon Brannen; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members; and many friends.

Kari was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Paul and Thelma Kirkland; her maternal grandparents, Gene and Loraine Hord; her aunt, Jane Black; her uncle, David Hord; and her cousin, John Paul Kirkland.

The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m., Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Flemingsburg Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Fort and Rev. Trent Keeton officiating.

Kari will be laid to rest in Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. until the hour of service at 1 p.m., Saturday, at the church located at 1856 Elizaville Road, Flemingsburg, Kentucky 41041.

Boone-Nickell Funeral Home is caring for Kari and her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that you send donations to the Kari Kirkland Thacker "Always a Panther" Memorial Scholarship at Community Trust Bank (36 Brookhaven Dr Flemingsburg, KY 41041). These donations will continue Kari's life work in education and used as a scholarship fund for selected FCHS graduating seniors seeking to further their education.

Friends may offer online condolences at www.boonenickellfuneralhome.com