Kristine K. Toft

Kristine K. Toft, age 56 years, of Harrisburg, Mo., died Sunday, October 27, 2013, at the Capital Region Medical Center. Kris was born September 13, 1957, in Springfield, Mo., the daughter of James R. and Mary Kay Beachler Toft. A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, Kris was a 1975 graduate of Jefferson City High School and a 1979 graduate of the University of Missouri at Columbia with a degree in Animal Husbandry. She was employed as a Research Assistant with the Department of Surgery at the University of Missouri Medical Center. Kris had a lifelong passion for dogs and horses and their genetic research. An author, she published two pedigree books and a book of the history of the Australian Shepherd will be released soon. She was a member of the Australian Shepherd Club of America, a member of the North American Dog Agility Council, and an AKC Judge for Instinct. Survivors include: her mother, Kay Toft of Jefferson City, Mo.; two sisters, Susan L. Toft of Carlsbad, Calif. and Betsy L. Toft of Centertown, Mo. She was preceded in death by her father, James R. Toft on October 21, 2001. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 30, 2013. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 31, 2013, at the Woodlandville United Methodist Church, 9801 West Wilhite Road, in rural Rocheport Mo., with the Reverend Karen Alden officiating. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Woodlandville United Methodist Church and Coyote Hill Christian Children's Home, in Harrisburg, Mo. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com