Kristina Beth Lash

Our beloved Kristy passed away on August 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She fought courageously against breast cancer with grit, determination, and her unmistakable sense of humor.

Kristy carved her own path in life, working as an athletic trainer and physical therapy aide, then as a teacher at Bishop Garcia Diego High School before becoming a registered nurse at Cottage Hospital. Her desire to care for others was a common thread throughout all of her work.

Nursing was far more than Kristy’s profession; it was her calling. She brought intelligence, humor, and genuine compassion to every interaction. She cared not only for her patients but also for their families, forming meaningful connections during some of their most vulnerable moments. Her warmth, spunk, and natural ability to relate to others made people feel safe and cared for, acting as a beacon of light in their darkest moments.

Kristy also found a second family among her fellow nurses. She deeply valued the friendships, teamwork, and sense of purpose they shared. Her colleagues knew her as someone they could trust; she was always ready to jump in and help. She had the unique ability to bring laughter to even the most demanding moments. The love Kristy shared with her colleagues and everyone at Cottage Hospital was a meaningful part of her life and a reflection of how completely she had found her professional home.

From a young age, baseball held a special place in Kristy’s heart, particularly the Los Angeles Dodgers. Not only did she love watching baseball, she craved being part of the action on the field and spent many years as a Santa Barbara Foresters’ athletic trainer. Her connection to the Foresters remained deeply meaningful throughout her life, and she was honored recently by receiving a Hugs for Cubs Courage award at their annual Hall of Fame event.

She was a devoted Dodger fan, watching every game and constantly texting her brother with play-by-play reactions. Carving pumpkins with the kids, sitting together around the fire pit, and enjoying celebratory dinners at The Palace restaurant were among her favorite things. She had special memories of Tuscany and of swimming with her niece and nephew on the north shore of Oahu—places and experiences she always thought she would enjoy again. But it was life’s simplest pleasures that she cherished most.

Kristy elevated life’s simple moments by baking special treats for those she cared about. She baked elaborate birthday cakes for her niece and nephew, her “pride and joy,” personalizing each design and bringing their ideas to life. Her cookies were an important part of sporting events and parties, as well as treasured gifts for her colleagues. She also created beautiful charcuterie boards for simple family dinners and savory dishes for holiday gatherings. She delighted in creating something special for everyday moments and sharing it with the people she loved.

Evan Clayton, Kristy’s boyfriend, was someone she truly loved. She cherished every moment with Evan. They supported each other in living honest and loving lives. He was the love of her life, and he truly loved her, enveloping her in the warmth of his love until the very end.

Kristy leaves a legacy of compassion, courage, laughter, and connection. She made her mark everywhere she went, and the joy she brought to others will live on in the countless stories, traditions, friendships, expressions of love, and memories she leaves behind.

Kristy is survived by her loving parents, Jim and Linda Lash; her brother, Jeremy Lash; her sister-in-law and sister-at-heart, Amanda Scott; her boyfriend, Evan Clayton; and her niece and nephew, Juliette and Kieran Lash. She also leaves behind her beloved golden retriever, Tanner, along with many extended family members, friends, colleagues, former students, athletes, and patients whose lives she touched.

A celebration of Kristy’s life will be held on October 11th at Lions Park in Carpinteria. Additional information about the celebration will be available on her CaringBridge page.

In lieu of gifts and flowers, please donate to Hugs for Cubs, a cancer support program run by the Santa Barbara Foresters, and The Santa Barbara Breast Cancer Resource Center.