Obituary
Kelsey Alexandra Abernethy of Kansas City departed this life unexpectedly on July 5, 2022 at the age of 30. Kelsey was a bright light despite the too many losses in her short life and is preceded in death by her sister Ashley Abernethy and her father John Kendall Abernethy. She is survived by her devoted and loving mother Barb Abernethy. Kelsey was born December 20, 1991 in Overland Park to Barb and Kenny Abernethy. Her arrival was much anticipated by her older sister Ashley who was so excited that she “got a girl.” Kelsey means “fierce” and from the moment of her birth this rang true. A favorite story from her childhood is the time she couldn’t have her sister’s birthday cake a day early and threw herself down on the ground while yelling “the whole world is stupid!” Kelsey is described by her mother as beautiful, and her life and soul will always be a testimony to this description.
Kelsey was born into a large family made even larger with the addition of many close friends. In addition to her father and sister she was preceded in death by her grandparents Raymond Conoyer, Don Abernethy, and Jackie Kollar; and her uncle Paul Abernethy. In addition to her mother she is survived by Barb’s partner Mark Bredemeier; grandparents Dorothy and Bill Killday, Helen Abernethy, and Doug Kollar; aunts and uncles Donna and Ray Hudson, Linda and Tim Wurm, Steve and Joanne Conoyer, and Nancy and Scott Goodwin; cousins Lauren Bristol, Bethie Sue Hudson, Brian and Danny Wurm, Jay and Trevor Conoyer, Montana Wilcox, and Chase Abernethy; too many friends to name; and her favorite companion, Rocky. The family wishes to thank all those that touched Kelsey’s life and especially her dear friends who will serve as pallbearers.
Kelsey is described by those closest to her as larger than life, and a person who lights up the room. She was both independent and empathetic, strong yet sensitive, and a deeply loyal friend and daughter. She was her grandpa’s favorite, she made midnight mass a party, and her favorite Christmas tradition was to sing ‘Mary Did You Know?’ operatically. She loved embarrassing her mom at Chief’s games and for many years was a constant presence in downtown Lee’s Summit. Kelsey loved to travel and some of her favorite memories were left in Mexico. No one was as funny as Kelsey who had the gift of bringing laughter to everyone she was with. Kelsey was bold, hilarious, sarcastic and honest – occasionally brutally honest, but she would always follow her truth with a smile and a “JUST KIDDING!”
Kelsey was a graduate of Lee’s Summit High School, attended UMKC, and achieved a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Despite her degree her favorite job was at Stuey McBrew’s which became her second family, and she also loved the time she spent working at Hickory Pit (in Kelsey’s words – RIP Hick Pit).
While the loss of Kelsey is unfathomable, we can only imagine the reunion Kelsey is having with her father and sister. Kelsey will be missed by so many but the impact she made on so many others will live forever. The love and laughter Kelsey brought to everyone’s life for the last 30 years will always outshine the torment of her death.
Visitation will be held Monday July 11th, 2022 at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, preceded by a rosary at 4:30 pm. A Celebration of Life Service for Kelsey will be held at St. Margaret’s of Scotland in Lee’s Summit at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 12, 2022; burial will take place following the service at Lee’s Summit Historical Cemetery where Kelsey will be laid to rest with her sister Ashley and with the ashes of her father Kenny.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Ashley’s Purple Star Foundation, a family charity near to Kelsey’s heart or carlscause.org. Oh snap, Kelsey’s obituary is complete, hopefully with a laugh she would want everyone she loved to have.
“Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:22.
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee's Summit, MO 64086
Barb you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I will be thinking about you constantly. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do. We are all here to support you.
Barb,
Our hearts are broken for you.
I hope you can feel the love, hugs and prayers we send.
Love you, Maria and LB
Barb and family, Please know I am thinking of you now as I did with Ashley. I hope there is some comfort knowing that Ashley and Kelsey are together once again. I have no words for you but will keep you in my prayers that the pain in your heart will ease.
Barb so sorry to hear this, prayers for you
Barb and Family-
I was so very sorry to hear of Kelsey’s passing. She always had a smile on her face and greeted me with a hug. She was truly one of a kind, like her sissy, and will be missed. I can only imagine what Ashley and Kelsey are getting into up there. One thing is for sure… You have the best guardian angels. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
You are in my heart. I’m sending all my Love and Light! We will meet our children again in this light.
Our prayers go out to your family, sending love.
We lift you and your family in prayer. Even though I never met her I could hear her laugh and see her personality in her obit. Prayers that you feel the love of your coworkers and feel Gods grace during this most difficult time.
Kim Stavrinakis
Barb, my heart is heavy for you and your entire family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May your treasured memories bring you comfort and peace, and may you feel the love of family and friends.
Virginia Goodwin Halterman
So sorry for your loss, Barb. I can’t imagine the hurt you’re going through right now
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My deepest condolences for your family’s loss. I am good friends with Elizabeth her cousin and heard of this tragic situation. Please know you are in my prayers!
Barb, What an amazing tribute to Kelsey and her life! Her legacy and memories will live forever in all of her friends and family. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. We are all here to support you however we can.
Barb I will hold you and your family deep in our prayers. Kelsey is now shining her light in Heaven. She impacted everyone she met with her BIG personality. I am so happy our lives crossed paths, which also led me to know you. ❤️ Please let me know if you need anything.
My heart is with u Barb & Kelsey’s friends. Keeping you all in thoughts and prayers.
Barb,
I do not even know what to say…I’m so sorry for your loss, I’m praying for you, doesn’t seem enough. I have fun, happy, energetic memories of Kelsey, back in the day. I will be praying for you…
Please reach out to Lauren if there is anything we can do for you.
Rhonda
Our hearts break for you! We are praying every day that your hearts will be comforted by the promises of Heaven, and God’s overflowing grace and peace. Luv you
Barb,
I am so sorry to hear of Kelsey’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
I’m sorry for you loss🙏
My love to all of you. I’m sure she will somehow let you know she is happy in heaven. May eternal rest grant unto her. I was blessed to of known her and loved her humor and stories.
I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart aches for your family. Every time I saw Kelsey she always made me laugh, there was never a dull moment. We grew a bond over the last few months because my father had passed away in March and she shared stories with me that gave us both comfort. I will never forget she told me “see.. we were meant to cross paths and be in the same place together today.. so we could talk about this” She brought me so much comfort, I will never forget her. My deepest condolences to your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. She had a big impact in her short life. Prayers and hugs to your entire family.
Always enjoyed talking to Kelsey. She always left a smile on my face. Her sense of humor and sense of loyalty were unmatched. She will be missed by so many!
There are no words to express the deepest of condolences. Sending you much love and prayers.
Barb, I was so sorry to hear about Kelsey. We are praying for you and your family as you manage through this difficult time. The girls are together and watching over you now. They are safe, healthy, and smiling. And you have tons of friends who love you to lean on.
Barb, When I first saw that Kelsey had passed, I was thinking you had put in a picture of your other daughter. My heart goes out to you and your family for your loss of beautiful Kelsey. I will be praying for you and your family.
You will remain in my prayers. What a beautiful daughter and so many tributes to her equally beautiful spirit.
I am so very sorry to hear about this. My heart goes out to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Barb, I am so sorry for your loss, Kelsey, was so full of life and bubbly. She was a joy to be around.
prayers for you always.
Carol Killday
My thoughts and prayers are with you Barb.
So very sorry to hear the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Barb, I’m so sorry, what a huge challenge for you and your family. You are all in my prayers. May GOD bless and keep you!
Barb,
My heart just aches for you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. I have thought about you every day since I heard and still can’t wrap my brain around it. I pray for your strength and courage during this difficult time. Sending love and hugs to comfort you. God Bless you and your beautiful daughters!
Barb we are saddened by the loss of Kelsey. We keep you in our thoughts and prayers
My heart goes out to all that love her
🙏❤️🙏
Barb, I am so sorry to hear your loss. You are in my prayers.
Barb,
I can’t adequately express how sorry I feel for you. You’ve always been a special friend and seeing you go through another loss, is so heartbreaking.
God bless you. I pray God will find a way to give you some comfort knowing that Kelsey is in his arms.
Barb,I am so very sorry to hear about Kelsey’s death. I don’t know what you are going through because I’ve never lost a child but you have lost two. My prayers are that the Lord will be with you and you will feel HIS arms of comfort around you. Pray fully with you.
Aunt Ann
Barb, I am so sorry. Kelsey was one of a kind and will be remembered fondly. <3