Kelsey Lynn Smith

Jan 22, 2019 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2019 | 35 comments

Kelsey Lynn Smith, 29, of Olathe, KS suddenly and unexpectedly passed away while at home, on January 19th, 2019. Kelsey was the daughter of John and Kathy Sandstrom. She was born on June 13th, 1989 in Topeka, KS.

She graduated from Lyndon High School, Lyndon, KS in 2007. Kelsey received her bachelor’s degree in education from Kansas State University in 2012. Her first year of teaching was in Arizona for 4th grade before returning to Kansas City. Since then, she has taught 7th grade mathematics at Pleasant Ridge Middle School in Overland Park, KS. On January 7th, 2017 she was joined in marriage to Tanner Smith. They had a son, Wyatt Douglas Smith on March 5th, 2018. Kelsey was 10 weeks pregnant with their second son, Lane Mitchell Smith. She was preceded in death by her father John Sandstrom, on July 18th, 2003; and her grandfather, “Papa” James Pollom on August 28, 2014.

Kelsey is survived by her husband Tanner, son Wyatt and faithful dog Charlie all of the home. She is also survived by her Grandmother, Thelma Pollom of Topeka, KS; mother, Kathy Sandstrom of Lyndon, KS; brothers Blake (Kelly) Sandstrom of Austin, TX, and Cole Sandstrom of Lyndon KS; beloved nieces Madison Sandstrom and Hannah Turner; and nephew Payton Sandstrom.

In celebration of Kelsey’s life, we will host a visitation on Friday, January 25th at Westbrooke Church, 9777 Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS 66212 from 5:30-7:30pm. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 am. Saturday, January 26th also at Westbrooke Church. Kelsey’s cremated remains will be laid to rest at Alpine Cemetery in Olivet, KS. in the near future. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to charity. If you would like to join us, we have established a Go Fund Me Page: https://www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-kelsey-smith

Your contributions will be shared with charities chosen to reflect Kelsey’s beliefs and passions.

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Julie Wenger

4 years ago

We were so sad to hear the news. We will lift you up in prayer and love. Greg and Julie Wenger, members at westbrooke church.

Sandra Krantz

4 years ago

Our hearts go out to all the family. Sending prayers and hugs. Sis, Jerry and Sandy

Julie Vodehnal

4 years ago

Brett & Luke have been blessed to have had Kelsey as their math teacher. Molly was hoping to get her next year. Kelsey was an amazing teacher who went out of her way to bond with her students. We are heartbroken over her sudden passing. Keeping her entire family & the PRMS staff & community in our prayers.
Julie & Mike Vodehnal
Brett, Luke, & Molly

Leonard

4 years ago

The Potter/Conger family was very sadden to hear the news of Kelsey’s passing. You and Kelsey’s family are n r prayers and thoughts.
Our church family will lift u up n our prayers.
Terry Potter,Leonard Conger and Ayden Potter/Conger

Wayne Lewis

4 years ago

I did not know Kelsey, but knew others from her school. My prayers are with you all…

Paul & Julie Hoevel

4 years ago

Our sincerest condolences to everyone affected by Kelsey’s untimely passing. May her memory bring peace and comfort to all.

Teri Boennighausen

4 years ago

We are so sad to hear the devastating news. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Please take care of yourself and Wyatt. May God take care of you.

Paul & Julie Hoevel

4 years ago

Our sincerest condolences to the families and friends affected by Kelsey’s untimely passing. May her memory bring peace and comfort to everyone.

Sarah

4 years ago

Prayers to Tanner and Wyatt! So sorry! I didn’t know Kelsey personally but what I know of Tanner, she must have been an amazing mother and wife. Friends have posted about her teaching ability and it was above amazing!!!!!

Amy Fisher

4 years ago

Kelsey was an amazing woman. Both of my children had the privilege of having her as a teacher. She always had a beautiful smile on her face and a kind word for every student. She will be greatly missed.

John Swanson

4 years ago

My thoughts are prayers are with the Smith Family. Kelsey had such an infectious smile. I will miss her.

Bas Van Rhee

4 years ago

My heartfelt condolences brother! Praying this weekend will be a true celebration of Kelsey’s life. Sounds like she was an amazing person!

Karen

4 years ago

Tanner. My heart breaks for you. I have no words. Just know you and Wyatt are in my thoughts and prayers. I was so happy to see you and meet Kelsey and Wyatt at Christmas Eve service. May God wrap his loving arms around you and sen you his peace

Lisa Green

4 years ago

Kathy and family, my heart breaks for all of you. I am and will keep all of you in my prayers, that God will give you comfort in the coming time.

Ralph, Katy & Alex Villegas

4 years ago

My prayers and condolences to Tanner, Wyatt, and all of Kelsey’s family. My daughter loved Kelsey as her math teacher this year and will miss her greatly. My son was also blessed to have her as a teacher in the past. Please know & trust that God will see all of you through this difficult time. I was in this exact same position nearly 8 years ago. Tanner, stay strong and trust God will guide you on this uncharted journey. God bless all of you including her PRMS family.

linda lepper

4 years ago

I have been praying for you all since I heard. My heart aches for you all! She was an amazing teacher of my high school grandson and currently my 7th grade grandson. I will continue to lift up your family during this extremely painful time.
Jim and Linda L.
Westbrooke members

Dave and Marsha Butler

4 years ago

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart.” That is our prayer for you, Tanner, that He will wrap you in His love and heal your broken heart. We are so very sad for you, and we have you and Wyatt in our thoughts and prayers. Dave and Marsha Butler, members at Westbrooke.

Brooke Rose

4 years ago

We are praying for your family at this time. We were and still are so saddened by this loss. My son was in Kelsey’s class and adored her. Prayers and love to all of your family, The Rose Family

Lisa and Bruce Diggett

4 years ago

Our family is so sorry you are going through this tragedy. No words can make it better….. it’s heartbreaking. McKinley was her student last year and loved having her as a teacher. Praying for all of you.

Sandy Durick

4 years ago

As everyone knows, Kelsey was a beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed dearly! Heartfelt prayers to Tanner, Wyatt and the rest of Kelsey’s family. Xo, Sandy

Judy Steele

4 years ago

In this sad world of ours, sorrow comes to us all. Perfect relief isn’t possible, except with time. You cannot now realize you’ll ever feel better. And yet that is a mistake. You are sure to be happy again. The memory of your dear one will yet be a sad, sweet feeling in your heart of a purer and holier sort than you have known before. Abraham Lincoln

As we pray, all who love Kelsey will be held tenderly in the Father’s arms. You do not grieve alone…not for one second.

Sharma Family

4 years ago

Our daughter, Olivia, was fortunate to have Kelsey as her math teacher this year. Hearing stories about her, it is clear she was a very special person with a beautiful and kind soul. She will be missed by so many. May her memory be a blessing to everyone she touched.

Liz Ferrigno

4 years ago

We are so saddened by this Kelsey was such a good person with such a big heart!! I’m sure everyone who had contact with her felt the same way!!!

Kelsey was our daughter’s tutor about 5 months after we she had started 6th grade at LKMS. Bella is a 9th grader today at BVW- but Kelsey was instrumental in helping Bella with homework, projects, papers and tests. We had them work together sometimes three times a week all throughout Middle School.

We moved to OP from North Carolina just after Bella had completed 5th grade- and she has an IEP. Like I said Kelsey was that very special tutor that connected with my daughter during a difficult time. We are just shocked she is no longer with us.

Prayers to her family.

Liz Ferrigno

Patricia Johnson

4 years ago

I will miss her so much. I am a day custodian at Pleasent Ridge. She bring sunshine around me every time I seen her. I loved her like she is part of my family. My prayers are with her husband and her son. Plus her family. She is my angel.

The Olsen Family

4 years ago

We are so sorry for your loss. It was quite a shock to hear of Kelsey’s sudden passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Noblit Family

4 years ago

Kelsey was a great teacher and will be missed by all of those students she touched at Pleasant Ridge MS. Prayers to you and your family.

Stephanie Byard

4 years ago

Kelsey was a beautiful person inside and out. I have all happy memories from our college years. My thoughts are with Tanner, Wyatt, Kathy and family during this sad, sad time.

Lauren Wilson

4 years ago

We are praying for Tanner, Wyatt, and the rest of the family during this most difficult time. May the peace of Jesus be with you all in abundance.

JARVIS SEAMAN

4 years ago

Undescribable shock. No words can cushion the pain and grief. Total bewilderment that can only trust in the Almighty to carry you through. May God be your comfort and strength. Love and prayers sent on your behalf.

Sheryl Hilburn

4 years ago

Lifting your entire family up in prayer. Thank you for setting-up the charitable donation page so we can perpetuate her memory in a small way.

Sheryl Howell Hilburn

4 years ago

Lifting your entire family up in prayer. Thank you for setting-up the charitable donation page so we can perpetuate her memory in a small way.

Matthew Albertson

4 years ago

Prayers for you and your family, Tanner.

Matthew Albertson & the UFG team.

David and Cheri Wright

4 years ago

There are no words. Praying for God”s comfort for you. David and Cheri Wright, Westbrook Church family

Gerry Tertychny

4 years ago

Smitty –
So very sorry to hear this news. I didn’t know Kelsey but she was clearly an amazing person and will be missed. Heartfelt condolences from all of your buddies at Al Rashid.
T.

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2 years ago

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