September 18, 1961 – January 13, 2026
Shelly Renea Kuhl
September 18, 1961 – January 13, 2026
Shelly Renea Kuhl, 64, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 13, 2026, after her 13-year battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s. She faced the journey with grace and strength, never losing her sense of humor or infectious laugh, and with love and support from family and friends.
Shelly was born on September 18, 1961, in Fremont, Nebraska, and grew up in South Sioux City, Nebraska. She graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University where she was a member of Delta Zeta sorority, and later earned her Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Nebraska. She devoted 30 years to education, serving as a teacher in both special ed and third grade. Teaching was not just her profession, but her calling. She cared deeply for her students and shaped the lives of so many young children.
Shelly met the love of her life, Bob, when she was just 12 and he was 14 years old. What began as a youthful and sometimes awkward friendship grew into a decade-long romance, and they married in 1985. They built a life and family together over the next 40 years in Lincoln, NE, Louisville, KY, and Shawnee, KS.
Shelly found joy in being outdoors in the sunshine, whether it be taking walks with her family, jogging or laying out by the pool. She loved attending church, where she found community and led Bible studies. She welcomed any excuse to gather people together, where she would serve one of many of her coveted dessert recipes cherished by friends and family. Music and dancing were among her greatest joys – she was always ready to boogie to anything with a beat!
She was very involved in her daughters’ lives – coaching their volleyball and softball teams, and serving as a Girl Scout leader, volunteering whenever she could. The Kuhl house was a popular gathering place for the girls and their friends, many of whom became so close with Shelly they lovingly called her mom. She had a natural ability to connect with others and was loved by nearly everyone she met, from strangers in grocery store lines to seatmates on airplanes.
Shelly is survived by her devoted husband, Bob; her daughters, Kayla (Daniel) McMullen; Jenna (Owen) Martin; her granddaughters, Norah, Gia and Margo, with two additional grandchildren on the way in 2026; her stepmother, Carol Slaughter; her brother, Shane (Diane) Slaughter; and her stepsister, Nicole Slaughter Reynolds.
Shelly was preceded in death by her mother, Pat Slaughter; her father, Lonnie Slaughter; her sister, Sherry Slaughter; her grandmother, Winona Ketelhut; her grandfather, Caroll “Red” Ketelhut; her grandmother, Melba Slaughter; and her grandfather, Alton “Buck” Slaughter.
Her legacy will live on through beautiful memories of her and the many ways she made people around her feel loved. She would often leave notes for her family, and next to her name was always a cross, heart and smiley face. In those simple symbols lived the things she will be remembered for-her faith, the love she gave so generously and her joyful spirit.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 11th at 10:00am at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, inside the LongHouse Visitor Center (9209 W 179th Street, Overland Park, KS 66013).
https://www.opkansas.org/
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Team Shelly…double-click on the link below.
Shelly has been such an inspiration throughout her life. Always with her big beautiful smile. Everyone loved being around her with her positive and humorous attitude!
You are now with the Lord! Say Hello to our families in heaven💕❤️
Love you! Lisa Schmiedt Beacom
My deepest sympathies to you Bob and your daughters and family as you grieve in the loss of your much beloved wife, Shelly. I graduated with Shelly and will always remember her as being so kind to everyone…May GOD comfort your family and give you His peace in knowing that Shelly is in the eternal, loving arms of Jesus in Heaven.✝️
Beautiful soul. She left a lot for her family and those who knew her.
Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of all mercies, and God of all comfort, who comforts us in our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
1 Corinthians 1:3-4
The time I spent with Shelly was truly precious. She had such a kind and loving heart, a wonderful sense of humor, and a way of making everyone feel cared for. I’ll always treasure her and the joy she brought into my life.
The world lost a beautiful presence. I have so many amazing memories of our time at NWU – her laugh, her smile, her guidance and friendship. Hard to imagine a world without Shelly.
My heart goes out to Bob and the whole family as this is a huge loss for everyone. I have some of the best childhood memories growing up with her and the neighborhood we lived in. Shelly had one of the kindest hearts, always! Her smile was the best! What a beautiful soul and I have no doubt she made a grand entrance to heaven.
My prayers are with the family!
Dani Hurley
Bob, I am so incredibly sorry to hear of Shelly’s passing. I will keep you and your daughters in my prayers. I have such great memories of growing up with Shelly and here family as kids. Such a kind heart and a big warm smile. Sending prayers for comfort.
Bob, so sorry to hear of Shelly’s passing. She was such a beautiful lady living by example and welcoming my daughter and her friends in your home as they were growing up. Keeping you, Kayla, Jenna and your family in my prayers as you go forward with all the special memories.
Bob and girls, your mom was a true gift to me and many others. My heart hurts knowing she is physically gone and I wish I would have known sooner. I don’t know how you go on without her regardless of the disease that took her vibrant self but I can only think you go on by honoring her by living your lives to the fullest with the same love, kindness and generosity she displayed to others. May your hearts be comforted by knowing she blessed your lives and many of ours too.