Kathi Krystal

On Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, Kathi Olsen Krystal, beloved partner, mother and grandmother, passed away at age 76 in Hennessey.

She is survived by her spouse of 48 years, Robert Buswell; son Sage Krystal; daughters Laurel Kromer, Camomile Buswell and Ginger Buswell; seven grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews whom she adored.

The youngest of seven siblings, Kathi was born Jan. 12, 1948, in Santa Barbara to Herbert and Gladys Olsen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Arthur, David, John and Roy, and sisters Anne and Clara.

Kathi was a resident of the Monterey Peninsula for more than 40 years and lived in Seaside, Calif., from 1973 to 2016.

From 1979 to 1993, she ran a delivery route for the Monterey Herald, distributing newspapers to the Carmel Valley community daily for nearly 15 years.

In 1993 she became an owner-operator taxi driver and drove with Monterey Yellow Cab and Carmel Taxi for over a decade.

Kathi was a favorite driver of many Peninsula locals who would request her when calling a taxi.

In 2005, she and Robert opened their own cab company, Associated Taxi, which they operated together until her retirement in 2016.

Ever compassionate and kindhearted, Kathi will be remembered by many for her numerous gifts, volunteer work and generous donations.

A lifelong lover of animals, people and the environment, she was a frequent donor to charitable organizations, and made monthly and annual donations to the ASPCA, The Salvation Army, Help Heal Veterans, Habitat for Humanity and Arbor Day Foundation, among others.

Over the years, she rescued and cared for countless cats and stray animals, covering the costs of food and veterinarian bills until being able to place them in homes.

From a young age, Kathi was creative and bright and she remained keenly interested in the world around her, developing a rich variety of talents and interests throughout her life.

She was a skilled fiber artist, who made many cherished, unique crocheted and knitted gifts for family and friends.

She was an amateur geologist with an impressive collection of rocks and crystals.

She was a naturally talented musician, an avid reader and book lover and an admirer of arts and crafts, photography and film.

A charismatic storyteller, Kathi shared her enthusiasm, wonderful sense of humor, and appreciation for the joys of life with everyone she knew.

Her memory continues to be a blessing to all of her loved ones.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at the Interbank Community Room, 320 N Main St., Kingfisher.

The family asks donations be sent to one of her favorite charities in her honor. Photos, memories, and condolences can be shared on her memorial website: https://everloved.com/lifeof/ kathleen-krystal/