Kristen (Kris) Tarufelli, age 58, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, surrounded by her family at home. Born on June 23, 1967, in Roosevelt, Utah, and relocated with her family to Rock Springs, Wyoming. She was a graduate of Rock Springs High School, Class of 1985. Kristen carried with her a strong sense of family, resilience, and compassion throughout her life.

Kristen will be remembered for her kind heart, selfless nature, and the love she shared so freely with those around her. She truly was the life of the party—someone who could light up a room, bring people together, and make lasting memories with family and friends.

Her greatest passions were the people she loved, along with music and concerts, where she felt most alive. She also enjoyed traveling—though she might have been the first to admit she wasn’t always the best traveler, she embraced the adventure anyway, often with humor and stories that would be retold for years.

Kristen was a lifelong learner and a true inspiration to her family. While raising her children, she pursued her accounting degree later in life, demonstrating courage, perseverance, and dedication. Her achievements not only advanced her career but also inspired her children to pursue higher education and follow their own dreams.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, Randy Tarufelli (Cheyenne, WY); her son, Nate Mellon and daughter in law, Ariel Mellon (Rifle, CO); her daughter, Miranda King and son in law, Sean King (Arvada, CO); her daughter in law, Jackee Bowler and son in law, Alec Bowler (Rifle, CO); her parents, Kelly and Lucille Goodrich and her brothers Kelly Goodrich Jr. and Kasey Goodrich (Rock Springs, WY); cherished grandchildren, Halle Mellon and Kenzlee Bowler (Rifle, CO); Cassidy Mellon and Emmett Mellon (Rifle, CO); Isabella King (Arvada, CO) and numerous other loving and cherished family members and friends. Kristen’s devotion to her family was at the center of her life, and she took great pride in the relationships she built and nurtured.

She was preceded in death by her son, Nicholas Mellon; her grandson, Elliott Mellon; and numerous other loving and cherished family members and friends.

Kristen leaves behind cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered—not just for how she lived, but for how she made others feel.

A celebration of Kristen’s life will be held on June 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Colorado Mountain College, 3695 Airport Rd, Rifle, CO 81650. A committal service will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, 777 Birch Ave, Rifle, CO.