If you would like to make a donation to the Kelsey Smith Fund, please send it to our friends at The First State Bank:
The Kelsey Smith Fund
First State Bank
650 Kansas Avenue
P.O. Box 5188
Kansas City, KS 66119
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Memorial Contributions
166 comments:
Words cannot begin to describe how your family must feel, however I want to offer my most sincere apologies.
While justice WILL be served, it still pales in comparison to your loss, and I want you to know that seeing this case has inspired me to focus all my educational studies on domestic safety. (I am a student at UTD, and feel that I owe victims like your daughter nothing less than full dedication to enhancing current security protocols /technology.) Again, I am sorry, and my families prayers are with you.
I have a daughter close to Kelsey's age and my heart goes out to her family. This is every parent's worst nightmare. May God grant them strength to get through the coming months and years and peace. They should be very proud to have been blessed with such a fine daughter as Kelsey. As for her murderer, well the world unfortunately is full of ilk like this and hopefully justice will be served.
There are not words to help ease wounds like this. I am so very sorry for what has happened. I hope people can use this as a learning experience to protect themselves and loved ones so Kelsey's death will not be in vain. Beyond what I have just said, I'm am left speechless and heartbroken.
There are just no words to offer comfort right now. Please know that even complete strangers are thinking of Kelsey's family, and offering prayers for peace and support during this painful time.
May her smile and the memories of her young life always be a comfort to the family. May this be the final straw in regards to this kind of crime in the US. It's unacceptable.
As I read the news today on MSN this captured me and broke my heart in a million pieces because this is not what we expect in our hometowns. We care for our children, raise them as best we can. It's tragic that even in our small worlds there is evil. But I feel in my heart that there is way more good and kind people out there despite what the media portrays. I cried when I heard the latest news because your daughter reminded of my nieces. I did not know her but I can tell through her pictures that she was a beautiful person. I have 2 of my own and they are small . Your family was in my prayers today. I pray that the lord will provide you strength at this tragic time that you are going through. Just know that your daughter touched many lives even those of strangers miles and miles away. I am glad that this person was arrested and I feel that he will pay the price not only in this life but when he meets his maker.
Kelsey, you will be missed. My sincere apologies to your family. My prayers are with you.
I cannot express how deeply this loss has impacted our lives. After going to school with Kelsey for something close to five years and working with her for two, I can honestly say she changed my life. Her upbeatedness, her generosity and her faith in life was contagious and it is completely sickening and saddening that of all the people in the world, our kelsey was the one this happened to.
This kind of thing isn't supposed to happen to one of our own. It's supposed to be something you see on the news and go 'oh sad', but it is one of our own. It's Kelsey and while I feel a complete sense of sickness for the horrible things she had to endure in her final moments, I take comfort in knowing, as you should, that Kelsey lived every moment of her life to the fullest and though she was snatched far too soon from our arms, she always knew she was loved and she always knew she'd be missed. I can only expect she is up in heaven, playing cards with her relatives (and probably beating them very badly at it), while looking down on us and asking us not to cry. Her death was a huge loss and I find it hard not to cry, and while this was, obviously, not the outcome any of us hoped for, we can rest knowing that she is no longer in any pain and her life was very well lived.
I send my respect to her family and thank everyone who worked so hard to find her, and those who will continue to work to bring her killer to justice.
We loved you, Kelsey. We love you, Kelsey. We will always love you, Kelsey. And I'm sorry.
Dear Smith Family,
My whole extended family lives in your immediate area so I shared a special interest in Kelsey's story. I had not seen the news yesterday and I am so saddened by the news. I am thankful she is Home, however, the devastation and loss you must feel is overwhelming. I said many prayers for your daughter and your family and I am so deeply saddened by her death. I know God will see you through and I could tell my the interview on "Today" what a close family you are. May God Bless and keep you in his grace.
To Kelsey's Family and friends, we are so sorry for your loss and what you are going through. No doubt, our entire nation grieves and prays for you. From parents in Tampa, FL ... we ache for you all.
I send to the family and friends of Kelsey my deepest sympathies. I was saddened to hear the news yesterday. Please know that I am praying for you all.
John
There are no words to express my thoughts right now because I am numb. I have been in prayer from hearing of Kelsey's disappearance and had hoped there would be a different ending. My heart grieves for her family as this has to be every parent's nightmare. I can't imagine all you are going through. Know you are being lifted up and May God's comfort and peace be yours knowing that Kelsey is in the loving hands of her heavenly Father.
May God give you courage and strength in the coming days.
I woke up to the shocking news of Kelsey. My heart aches for Her Family and Friends. Kelsey was such a beautiful girl and I would have been honored to have met her. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Signed by a concerned mother in Utica, Michigan
I have been praying for all of you ever since this has been on the news. My heart is grieving and I can't imagine the pain you have been through. May our Lord comfort your broken hearts through His love, His Word, and your family and friends. Love, a Mom of 5 from Nebraska.
I am so sorry for the loss of kelsey,I did not know her but I was so drawn to this and was heartbroken of the out come,she seemed like a great young lady,one who had a whole life ahead of her.my prayers are with the family. I have a daughter she is only 9 though but it is so terrifying and I have to say this is something that will make me keep a great eye on my daughter.Again my prayers go out to the family and god bless all/
This story captured my heart yesterday, and I prayed so hard that Kelsey would be found alive, but sometimes God has other plans for us, and He must have needed her to help Him more than she was needed down here. I can only assume she was a Christian by the awesome words said of her. May God heal your hearts, and my prayers are with you!
I'm so sorry for your loss. It's just a tragedy, there's no other word to describe this. I began praying for Kelsey and your family as soon as the news broke. I prayed for a happy outcome. I will continue to pray for your family and to trust that God will give you the strength that you need to get through this. I hugged my daughters a little tighter this morning. Kelsey is Home and her story touched many lives. From a mom in Maryland.
I am so sorry, to hear of this news. I was part of the internet link effort along with thousands of others who never met your daughter, but in a sense she became our child to.
I've decided to start blogging and linking to missing children sites in an effort to combat this senselessness.
People throughout the country are grieving with you this morning. I will hold my 18 year old daughter a little closer.
I truly hope you are able to find some peace.
God Bleass and take care.
I was sooo hoping for a different outcome. I am very sorry for you all. Hugs
Mr. and Mrs. Smith:
I can only tell you how horrified I am that someone had the gall to cut short the life of someone so special and who brought you both so much joy in her short 18 years of life. Please trust that our prayers in Minnesota are with you today and always. I pray for strength and courage for you both, so that the murderer of your beautiful daughter gets what he deserves. Justice needs to be served here--a young and promising life was cut short by someone who had no right to do so. May you always remember Kelsey in life, as she was.
as a parent, this story really touched my heart. No one deserves this, and there are evil people out there, but there are also a lot of great people out there who will offer support and yearn to see justice prevail, over the low life who thought he had the right to take something so precious.
Keep strong and draw close to each other.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Kelsey Smith Family
There are no words that will make this better but I want to extend my sincere condolences and apologies. I have been following this story and keeping you all in my prayers. As a parent of younger children I cannot even imagine this. It is a shame that this is possible.I pray that you are able to have justice served for Kelsey. All of you are in my prayers as you continue through this journey. I am so sorry for your loss.
Mr. ad Mrs. Smith, and family of Kelsey,
I am so sorry for this tragic outcome that has affected your famiy. I have not been able to keep the tears from my own eyes since learning of your loss. I pray that God's strength will comfort all of you in this very devastating time. Please know that the state of Wisconsin is praying for you. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.
Dear Lord, please look after and tend to needs of the Smith family and friends at this time of pain and recovery in all their lives. We grieve with you and pray everyday for each and every one of you.
Eddie.
I cannot begin to imagine what this family must be going through will the loss of such a seemingly vibrant & loving daughter. As a mom in Colorado, I too, have a daughter that graduated from high school just a few weeks ago. While Kelsey's opportunity to go to college & live a promising life afterwards was horribly denied, I can sense that her presence will be felt amongst all girls her age as they enter college. Her Christian spirit shall live in the hearts of all of us & because of that, I pray that she will help my daughter & others like her be safe. God Bless the Smith family & others who have lost their children to circumstances beyond their control. Lynn from Colo.
What is wrong with the world? Why do more and more psychos showup and trouble innocent families? A life is so valuable and its loss is irreplaceable to the friends and the families it surrounds. None have the priveledge to take one's life, not even the individual. Everyone, Please be more Cautious and protect their loved ones, friends and fellow beings! I feel sad from the bottom of my heart for the girl who had her future ahead of her and nothing but anger at the person who ended her future in no time!
I'm saddened to hear of the loss of your daughter. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Nothing can be said to take the pain of your loss away, but knowing that you have your own special guardian angel in heaven looking over your family hopefully will bring you some comfort. Please know that the world embraces your family in our arms and hearts. Our prayers are with all of you during this tragic time.
To the Smith Family;
May God give you the strength to get throught this trying time and remember God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way... If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Rest in peace Sweet Angel
Marie
from New York
Smith Family: My wife and I are so very sorry for you're loss of Kelsey.... It hurts us very much,one can only imagine you're feelings.... I can only hope that "Justice" will be served quickly and to the "Fullest" under the law....Kelsey deserves nothing less, as well as you're family... It upsets us so much to have this happen, even to the point of "Rage" for the person accused of such a Terrible crime.... Let us pray for Kelsey, the Smith family, and the Law enforcement people involved in this terrible event...C&M Dews Heber City. Utah
I am so very sorry for your loss, even as a parent, I don't think this is something that most of us can even begin to comprehend, I just pray that God will keep you safe in His arms and bring you the comfort and strength to get through this time. At least Kelsey is safe at Home in the loving arms of Jesus, where no one will ever be able to hurt her again. God Bless you all
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Know that God is with you! Your faith will see you through.
I've been following your precious Kelsey's disappearance since it began, crying with every new report. I have 3 small boys that have seen the news as well. They've asked many questions and I've tried my best to answer them so that they are aware that when mom says stay close, this is why. One can never be too cautious and hopefully this great tragedy has become a lesson learned by all. It can happen to anyone. I prayed the outcome would be bringing her home safely. I felt as if I knew her and only wish I'd had an opportunity to meet her as she sounds to have been a beautiful person. She's in a much safer place now, looking down on us. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank God the suspect is in custody and will help to bring some closer to your family and friends.
God Bless You!! Prayers are with you in Liberty,MO.
So very truly sorry for this. All such tragedies are horrible, but this especially touched me. My 3 year old daughters birthday was on Saturday... I am thousands of miles away, but I hope you feel my prayers.
Sincerely
I cannot even begin to imagine the devastation you feel in this loss. I have been praying for Kelsey and your family, and I am saddened by the news of her passing. I do not know your family, but I feel somewhat connected to you, both through a shared faith in Christ, and as someone who has close family in OP. I'm thankful to see by your posts here that you are putting faith in the Lord and are looking to Him for strength through this devastating time. Your family will continue to be in my prayers, as will Kelsey's friends. My heart hurts for all of you ... May God be with you to "hold you up" in the days, weeks, months ahead.
My heartfelt sympathy to all of Kelsey's Family. I watched this tragedy from the beginning and prayed for her safe return. I am soooooo very sorry for the outcome. She was a beautiful young lady and I pray now that Justice will be served and hopefully bring you closure. God Bless You All!
I am so overwhelmed with tears, I simply cannot even type. My daughter is her age. May you find the strength to carry on while she watches over and protects you. And may you all go to bed each night knowing that you WILL see her again in Heaven because you've already been through and done your time in Hell. God Bless your family. Tricia - Dallas, Texas
My thoughts are with your family for your great loss. At work, we have prayed daily for Kelsy's safe return. Take some small measure of comfort in the knowledge that the monster that did this is behind bars awaiting justice. Your daughter was well loved in her short life. Our prayers go with you.
Many people are saying to trust God for strength. That has to be so hard to do when that is the same God you trusted to watch over your family. It's easy to abandon faith when terrible things happen. My hope (prayer) is that you hold on to this faith and know that God lost a child too. He is crying with you.
My heart bleeds for your family at this most difficult time in your life. This has touched me so much and I am so sad for you. I hope and pray that you will be able to get through these next days, months, and years that it will take to get over this horrible tragedy.
I know you all were so very proud of your beautiful daughter and I will keep you all in my prayers that you can somehow get through this nightmare. Love and Prayers, Linda
My deepest deepest sympathies for your loss. I don't know what I can tell you but that I am sorry and that I am continuing to pray for Kelsey's family, friends, and loved ones. There are so many people in Albuquerque NM who have been praying for Kelsey and will continue to pray for the family. It seems that this kind of thing happens far too often. Again we are so sorry for your loss. God Bless you.
John and Kristi
Albuquerque NM
To the Smith Family,
My name is Mark, I am a 30 year old father of two young boys. I work with Youth in our Church here in Logansport, LA. When I heard of Kelsey's dissappearance it truely troubled me. I kept up with it daily on foxnews.com at work, knowing whole heartedly that she would be found alive. I must say that yesterday, when the announcment came, I was heartbroken. Having never met Kelsey or the Smith family, my heart goes out to you all. We see news like this every day and we brush it off, but this hit me really hard. There are at least 25-30 girls Kelseys age in the Youth group I oversee. Words cannot express how strange it is for a 30 year old father of all boys....to tear up at work over a perfect stranger. All I can say, it had to be the love of Jesus in my heart.
I want you to know that we are praying for your family. I came to this site this morning, and I read the updates. I can see that your family has faith in God. Knowing that now, it sets my mind at ease.
For someone that has lost their daughter in such a way, within one week to post that they have Faith in God and He is their refuge.....is truely inspiring to me. I am a blog writer, I have written almost 150 over two years for my Youth group. My next blog will be dedicated to the memory of Kelsey, as a lesson for my Youth for awareness of just how quickly things can happen. I hope that your family finds peace in all this, and I will continue praying that God will bless your family through this act of shear evil.
My blog will be posted within a couple days. It can be found at www.myspace.com/markpierce96
Thank YOU....for being an inspiration to me. May God Bless, our prayers are with you all.
Mark Pierce
Logansport, LA
May god bless your family and give you all strength. Please keep the faith, it can be so hard during times like these. I can only imagine the pain you are going through. Your daughter is safe now! No harm can ever come of her again. She will never feel pain or fear in the arms of the lord.
With all of our love from TX.
To the Smith family: I am so very sorry for your loss. Kelsey was a beautiful young lady. I cant begin to imagine your grief. I pray that your family finds peace and comfort. I also pray that justice will be served against the creep that did this to her. With love and concern from a mother in Nebraska.
I have two little girls and I cannot imagine the pain you must feel rightnow. Your daughter was so beautiful and loved. May God give you all the strength you need to live the lives that He ( God) and Kelsey would want for you. God bless you.
I am so sorry to hear of your lose. I have three girls and they are my heart. My family will keep you in our hearts as you grieve. Hold your family close and love them like you have never loved them before.
Where do you begin to tell a family you are so sorry for such a loss? I lost a VERY close cousin of mine in a car accident almost a year ago and I think about him every day. I know this is not the same kind of pain as losing a child, but it still hurts. I had seen this story on the news and started praying that she would be ok and would be found safe. It just breaks my heart for this outcome because I have been following this story so closely. But the reality is, she is safe now and she is ok, in God's loving arms. I pray for peace for your family and strength to get through everyday. God knows your hurt and he is there to comfort you. Something that makes me look forward to every day is knowing that I will see my cousin again one day. I really want to express my deepest sympathy to Kelsey's family and friends, everyone who knew her. There is also a song that I want you to hear that helped me through my grief. It is called "Praise You in This Storm" by Casting Crowns. May God bless each and every one of you.
nancy&bryan greenville,tn our hearts go out to kelsey's family.i wont even begin to try to understand their pain at this time.i can only say we are praying for them -god bless parents&grandparents
Once this story was told I started to pray for you guys.I work with a youth group and could see anyone of the youth group kids in place of your daughter, It broke my heart. I'm not sure there is anything I can say to bring you any confort. I'll continue to pray that God will bring you peace in this horrable time that you are walking through. May God bless you and keep you, May He make His face shine upon you and give you Peace.
If there is anything I can do to help out please email me
Tim Hames Charlotte, N.C.
timhames@hotmail.com
I have no doubt that a number of people have been touched by Kelsey's life....she was one of those shining stars that went out long before it should have. In her death, she has touched a nation of people that she never knew. I, too have followed this story from the beginning, hoping and praying for a different outcome for your family. My heart aches for all of you and the loss you face today and for the rest of your lives for what might have been. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I ask God to comfort your heart as only He can and cover you with His love. I am so sorry for your pain.
I am so sorry for your loss. After reading about Kelsey I am sure she is a wonderful place called Heaven. My prayers will be with the entire family.
I pray that God will hold you and give you unexplainable peace. My heart aches and my throat is choked with tears as I pray for something good to come from this, for a miraculous "beauty for ashes" and "joy for mourning". This burden is too heavy to bear, may God carry you through this day and the next and the next.
To Kelsey's parents, family and friends. This is such a tragic loss for each of you, especially the parents. We are suppose to grieve and bury our parents, not our children. As a mother of a 19 year old girl, I cannot even imagine the grief nor do I ever want to face such a nightmare as you have. As you struggle with the grief process, may God wrap you in His love and grace. May you find His peace and serenity in the memory of Kelsey's beautiful smile and His joy in the echos of her laugther. You all are in my prayers and thoughts.
First, I want to start by saying that I am truly sorry to all of Kelsey's friends and family for their loss. Although I didn't have the opportunity to know Kelsey, I know that she was a very beautiful girl. As an 18 year old girl myself who just graduated high school--I cannot imagine what her family and friends are going through. This story hit home for a lot of people I know considering I live just minutes away. Kelsey, We know you are in heaven looking down on everyone right now. Rest In Peace beautiful girl. As for Kelsey's friends and family, God Bless all of you. You have a community full of people who have been touched by Kelseys story--Just let anyone know if you need anything. You all will be in my prayers.
Erin...Raytown, MO
My heart goes out to your family. I will keep everyone in my prayers. God Bless the family is this hard time, and I pray justice will be served. This person is a monster, and should be locked up for life.
I am so saddened by your loss. Kelsey was a beautiful young girl. I have a beautiful 4 year old daughter myself. May the love of God embrace your family in your tragic loss and give you all the peace that passes all understanding.
Know that I am here for you all if you need me for anything.
With Love and Sympathy,
Tony
To Kelsey's family, my thoughts and prayers are with you right now. I have four teenage daughters, and one's name is Kelsey. I will kiss and hug them everyday and tell them to be safe the world is a crazy place and we are lucky everyday to have our kids come home safe. I am so sorry.
I live in MS, but my parents and I are praying for Kelsey and her family. Our greatest sympathy.
When I was dealing with an unexplainable death, the song "HELD" by Natalie Grant really allowed me to cry out to God. You can hear it at www.nataliegrant.com by clicking on the "jukebox" and then forwarding to "HELD". I think it's the third song. Hearing your story is like opening that wound in my heart. I am truely grieving with you. Hang in there. And, even if you feel you are losing your grip of God, just let go and know He will NEVER let go of you! He IS in control even when this evil world seems to be spinning out of control.
God bless you.
There are no words strong enough to express my sorrow for your loss. I don't know you and I did not Kelsey but want to reach out to you and express my deepest sympathy for your loss. My prayers for peace are with you. I am sorry for this tragedy.
I am very sorry for your loss. I am brought to tears every time I come across this news story. I have a three year old daughter, and can't imagine having to go through this. Because of things like this happening, I'm going to focus on teaching my daughter as much as I can about self-preservation when situations get dangerous or scary. We should all be teaching our daughters as much as we can about this, so the scumbags of the world have as much of a challenge as we can give them. As for your daughter, she is beautiful, and from what I have read, was well loved, and very kind. I feel for your loss, and have so since her disappearance was first reported, and wish your family the best.
I have been so saddened by Kelsey's story. My family & I are praying for your entire family, and are so sorry for your loss. It is evident that she was a bright, special & kind-hearted young lady, and brought joy everywhere she went. I will never again walk into or out of a store without saying a prayer for her, and for your family. God Bless you all at this difficult time.
This news has touched me deeply all the way here in Texas. My heart broke when I heard the final outcome. I cannot imagine what your family is experiencing right now but I pray that you will find comfort in the community support you are receiving and of course in God's love. I pray that this killer is brought to justice and that somehow, someday he can turn from his ways and realize what he has truly done. My heart goes out to your family and I will keep you in my prayers.
There are so many kind words here. My heart aches with the rest of the nation on such a senseless tragedy. It sounds like she was a wonderful girl and lived a full life. People like her are an inspiration to LIVE. My deepest condolences to her friends and family. Love and Peace.
Misty
I live in Indiana and we are so sorry for your loss. There are no words to adequately express our deepest sympathies for you. Kelsey lives on in your hearts and that will never change. We are praying for your entire family during this incredibly difficult time and trust that God will provide all you need to get through.
As a retired policeman, my heart breaks for the trauma that you are enduring. All in the law enforcement community, active and retired, grieve for you. God bless you and your entire family with His comfort, and with the realization that Kelsey is with Him in Heaven.
There isn't anyone who can understand the grief and pain you must be going through over the loss of your child unless they have been through the same or a simular situation. Please know that there are people out here who do care and have kept you and your family in our Prayers. I hope & Pray that you can find some peace and serenity in knowing that she is in a better place than any of us are. My family is Praying for you. God Bless You.
A poem for your angel,
GOD'S LOAN
I'll loan to you for a little time a child of mine, He said
For you to love while she lives and mourn for when she's dead
She may be six or seven years or twenty-two or three
But will you till I call for her take care of her for me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you and should her stay be brief
you'll have her lovely memories as solace for your grief
I cannot promise she will stay since all from Earth return
But there are some lessons taught down there I want this child to learn I've looked this wide world over in my search for teachers true And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes I've selected you Now will you give her all your love?
Not think the labor vain? Not hate me when I come to call
to take her home again? I fancied that I heard them say;
"Dear Lord, Thy Will Be Done"
For all the joys this child will bring the risk of grief we'll run
We'll shelter her with tenderness
We'll love her while we may
And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay
But should the angels call for her much sooner then we planned
we'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand
----author unknown
We too have prayed she would come home safe and was ready to help volunteer posting flyers as we live closeby and have a teenage daughter her age. There are no words to take away your pain but that poem came to mind I found years ago I thought I would share.
Our prayers are with your family,
Blue Springs, MO
My deepest sympathy to Kelsey's family and friends. It is such a tragic loss, and words cannot begin to express how sorry I am. It is hard to understand why things like this happen, especially when she had her whole life ahead of her, and was supposed to be celebrating with family that day. I'm just thankful they caught the monster who did this to her, and pray for justice for her family. May she rest in peace, and may God bless her family. My condolences from Omaha, NE.
I have a sister year older then kelsey and she likes to shop at target and I was thinking about her.
I was hoping there was more to the story then what cnn was brodcasting, I was holding out for hope. Unfortunetly that did not happen, I'm very sorry, and I will pray for kelsey and may god bless her sould. My heart goes out to the family, if theres anything I can do please let me know.
Peace to Kelsey's family, boyfriend, & friends. I, like, so many others, cried & prayed with you in spirit during the last few days. I saw John's interview on TV this morning, & know that you have helped comfort others as they want to comfort & support you. I am a gramma & had a son in his 20's leave this earth about 10 yrs ago. I pray strength for you all to get through the times ahead when loss & sadness will overwhelm you, & @ times when you won't even be expecting it. Just breathe, cry, pray, & keep going & share w. someone, journal. Many blessings of God's love to you.They will come thru His Word, songs, cards, phone calls, thoughts,memories, & God's creation-hope. Be like a leaf floating on the wind & let His love carry you.Love, Gramma Sher/Nebraska/Virginia.
Dear Kelsey Smith Family:
i can't begin to find the words to say at this time for your loss and sorrow and for not only kelsey's friends and family,but so many concerned people near and far.As i write this my heart just breaks,my eyes have filled with so many tears,as unfortunately i,too,do know how you are feeling right now.i lost my precious 15 year old son and my 13 year old nephew on father's day 2005.Not to a tragedy such as this,but as i watched intently to the case of kelsey,i seen so many similarities in our families.i can tell all of you are very close,please embrace eachother during this time and know you have so many people praying for you.heaven has truely gained another beautiful angel,spread your wings and fly kelsey.as my son's headstone states:
"lift up your heart and share with me"....god wanted me now, he set me free" kelsey truely would tell you all this very statement.she is in a beautiful place and she is ok..... even though,your heart will ache and there will be a "new" normal know kelsey is right by your sides always.wishing you and yours peace and again,i am truely sorry for your precious loss.
I live in Utah and this story caught my eye on CNN, what a beautiful girl with such a promising future. I had been checking the news hoping to hear she had been found alive and well, and when i saw the tragic outcome yesterday my heart broke for her and for her family. All we can do is hope for justice, and take away a lesson to live your life to the fullest each day you are blessed with. My prayers go out to her family and friends.
Our heart and prayers go out to you and your family. It is so unfair that such a promising life was taken for selfish reasons. May God keep you and hold you up in your time of need. All of the world is lifting you in prayer at this moment.
God bless,
The Pina Family
Words can't convey my sorrow for your loss and the pain you are all going through. The prayers and thoughts of my entire family are with you. As my family has experienced our loved ones don't pass away, they pass on and a huge part of them is ALWAYS with us.
Phil Dupuis, Edmond, OK
What a horrible ordeal for your family to go through. I cannot imagine the pain you feel. I have prayed and prayed for your child and your family. I have prayed daily that the outcome would be good. I don't even know how to express the sorrow I feel. As a mother of 3, this pain I am sure cannot be explained. Please know, that as you grieve, people from all over the country grieve with you. I will continue to pray that you find peace and strength to deal with such a tragic and senseless loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. I was praying for Kelsey to be found, and now I will be praying for God to comfort you as you deal with this horrible tragedy. May God touch you with His peace right now. Kelsey was absolutely beautiful. I am a mother of three young children, and I cannot even imagine how much pain you must be feeling. I didn't know Kelsey, but I do have tears for her. Please allow God to comfort you as only He can.
As far away as Killeen, Texas.....we have been watching and praying and are SO very sorry for your loss.
We have you in our thoughts & prayers and will continue to follow her story.
God Bless you and yours! I can't find words. I hope that justice is swift.
I am so saddened by the outcome of this. I have a son 20 years old and his girlfriend is 18. I cannot even imagine what Kelsey's family is going through. Since the moment i heard this story being televised I prayed they would find her ok. I just broke down and cried the moment i heard what had happened to her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Kelsey.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know words can not comfort you now. Please know that Kelsey and your family are in my Prayers. Just know that Justice will be served and Kelsey is in a much better place.
Our heartfelt sympathy to Kelseys family, her boyfriend and all her friends. May God help you through this terrible time in your lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Connie, Ray and Nikki
My heart goes out to your family. I am a mother of three and I also have a sister named Kelsey in Missouri that will be starting college in the fall. This really struck home for me and I prayed that this would have a good outcome. Unfortunatly it didn't end that way.
If tears were a stairway and memories a lane - I would walk up to heaven and bring you home again.
You love for her is plain to see. I can not imagine your pain. My deepest sympathies to your family from my family.
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my daily prayers.
To the Smith Family and Kelsey's Friends: May God grant you peace beyond understanding. I am thinking of you and you are in my prayers.
I am lifting the family and friends of Kelsey up in prayer. May your memories of this beautiful girl comfort you. She knew she was dearly loved. May the Lord sustain you and bring you peace.
What has this world come to.i feel very hurt and upset with this case.
A young lady unexpectedly is in the wrong place at the wrong time.It is time to gather force to stop this outbreak of murders in america.Where and why do you want to kill. SAVAGES AND ANIMALS ATTACK EACH OTHER. I extend my deepest apologies to this family and regret to be an american.
I am so sorry to the family for your loss. Please be strong for the rest of us who are just filled with grief from this awful tragedy. I wish I would have known Kelsey, she sounds like an amazing young lady. God be with you all.
To the Smith family, there are no words we can say that will take away what you are feeling. My family and I have never met your family, but we have been closely following your story and praying for Kelsey's safe return. We have 2 kids of our own, and my husband and I were heartbroken when we heard the news. Although it was not the return to your arms, Kelsey is in the arms of God in heaven, we pray for your strength during this time.
Dear Smith Family,Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of your sweet angel Kelsey.She is safe with our Lord now.It tore my heart out of the news yesterday.I lived in Overland park until 10 years ago.I worked at oak park mall.Now live in Port Saint Lucie Florida. I truly miss O.P.Our prayers are with your Family.Now lets get justice for Kelsey!She will always be in everyone's Heart.Again we are so sorry! Dagmar Wenner.Port Saint Lucie Florida.
My deepest sympathy and prayers are with the family. My name is also Kelsey Smith and I have been hoping and praying for Kelsey's safe return. I was saddened to hear the tragic news. I feel a bond with Kelsey since we share the same name, and look similar to one another. She will be in my thoughts always.
Dear Smith Family:
My heart goes out to you all. As everyone else I prayed and continue to pray for Kelsey and your family. The news of Kelsey's murder struck me and everyone else. Her smile will never be forgotten. May the lord bless you and keep you in the coming days and months. I will continue to pray that justice will pravail and that this horrible person will live out the remainder of his days in the pain he deserves. The state of Virginia will continue to pray for you. God Bless Kelsey and the Smith Family
I never had the oportunity to meet her, and there is nothing that I can say other than I will remember this tragidy forever, and she will never be forgotten. Our hearts are with you. I can't even imagine what I would do if something happened to my little girl.
The SMS Band community has felt this tragedy deeply and is grieving with you. We are so sad for what has happened to Kelsey. What a beautiful girl she was. Her untimely death will not be in vain, but a bright light has been snuffed out too soon. May justice be served.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I am praying for your family, that you can find peace during this tragic time. Your sweet Kelsey is now safe at home, and in the arms of God. She will never, ever hurt again.
I know my words cannot mean a thing in such a trying time to the Smith family, but I was touched very deeply by this tragedy, as a resident of a small community outside of the Overland Park area, Spring Hill Kansas, we feel our little community is safe from the ouside threat of danger, but as we have seen it is everywhere. PLease accept my most sincere and heartfelt condolences, may you find peace and comfort in the coming days and reflect on the joy Kelsey brought to you. She was a lovely young lady.
I am so sorry for your loss! I will continue to pray for all of Kelsey's family and friends. The whole country is mourning with you and praying for your strength in this most difficult time.
Kathrine Lewis
House Springs MO
She's with The Lord now. Our prayers are to you her family and loved ones. One day you'll be together again forever.
To the Smith's,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will pray for you and your family at this difficult time. Kelsey was a beautiful young girl and it is so senseless that this happened. I want to know when this country is going to wake up and realize we are fighting our own war right here with these sick animals roaming around free and hurting and killing our kids. My heart goes out to you all! Stay close to each other and support each other and somehow you will get through this. May God bless all of you and keep you strong!
My heart is broken for you and your family. May God give you the strength to get through this and surround you all with His peace, grace and mercy. What a tragedy.
Pat Davila
Rest in peace sweet girl . . .
I am so sorry for your loss. I will pray for you all. God will always be there to help you with your grief.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your daughter and family have touched so many lives over this past week. I work at a hospital and watched so many staff and visitors crying over the news of her tragic death when it was announced. She will be forever in so many hearts.
I was so saddened when I read wednesday on MSN about Kelsey being abducted, I hoped she was safe somewhere, when I saw today she was found murdered and I was very shocked.
All I can say now is that Kelsey is at peace now & I hope she didn't suffer too much.
Sadly she in wrong place at wrong time, this guy was probably an opportunist with a deranged plan to kill.
Graham - Copenhagen Denmark
rest in peace Kelsey
I am completely speechless. I never thought it would happen to someone at my school or anything and then it happened...and it happened to the wrong person. Kelsey I never really knew you but you have touched my life in more ways than one. My prayers are with you and your family in this time of grief. i love you girl and thank you for everything! I hope to see you someday in a better world!
Smith Family,
May you find comfort in the arms
of our Lord during this time.
My prayers are with you, Kelsey's
story touched a lot of people who
didn't know her, but are grieving with you, but are lifting you up in
prayer.
To The Smith Family:
Although I never had the opportunity to meet your daughter she looked like a sweet/outgoing girl.Your family will continue to be in our prayers. I pray that the lord will provide you strength at this tragic time that you are going through. Just know that your daughter touched many lives even those of strangers miles and miles away. I am glad that this person was arrested and I feel that he will pay the price not only in this life but when he meets his maker.
This touches close to my heart as I have an 18 yr. old who just graduated as well. May peace find you at this difficult time. Mother of 2 in Independence MO.
I have a daughter close to Kelsey's age, last night I hugged her tighter. I feel your pain so very much, we all are grieving for your family's loss. I will keep you in my prayers.