Obituary of Kelly J Tolmsoff

KELLY J. TOLMSOFF October 5, 1963 ~ March 30, 2017 Just like the sunflower, even on the darkest days, stand tall with your face toward the sun. And that she did. Kelly J. (Kenworthy) Tolmsoff, age 53, passed away in Vancouver, Washington on March 30, 2017 after a courageous hard-fought battle with cancer. On that day, an angel who was loving, caring, committed to family and friends, and had a beautiful smile, entered Heaven. She was born in Spokane, Washington on October 5, 1963 to Dale F. and Sharon L. Kenworthy. One of three children, Kelly grew up in Spokane, Washington among a large extended family and friends. Kelly attended Rogers High School in Spokane, Washington moving to Vancouver, Washington where she graduated from Columbia River High School in 1982. Among her enjoyments were going to the beach and spending time with family and her loving animals. Kelly's natural desire to help others led to a life-long career in medical support where she excelled. She found great happiness and pride in her work and those she worked with unanimously found Kelly to be a hardworking and kind colleague. In 1995, Kelly realized her dream of becoming a mother, giving birth to the love of her life, daughter, Lauren Heerlein. Lauren remained Kelly's proudest accomplishment and greatest joy. Throughout her life, Kelly was a passionate animal advocate whose home was often a menagerie of well loved companions. Kelly enjoyed spending time with her daughter, her flower garden (especially the sunflowers), loving her animals, and being available to help family and friends. Kelly is survived by her daughter, Lauren Heerlein of Vancouver, WA; mother, Sharon Kenworthy of Vancouver, WA; brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Ellen Kenworthy of Greenwood Village, CO; niece, Alexandra Kenworthy of Los Angeles, CA; sister, Karie Kenworthy-Johnson of Dallas, TX; niece, Kaysie Johnson of Little Rock, AR; great-nieces, Zoey Johnson of Dallas, TX and Arya Persinger of Little Rock, AR; as well as numerous beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Dale F. Kenworthy of Vancouver, WA. The family wishes to thank the health care personnel who provided compassionate, loving care to Kelly and support to her family during this difficult journey. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017, 1:00 p.m. at Salmon Creek United Methodist Church Chapel, 12217 NE Hwy 99, Vancouver, WA 98686. Reception to follow. Kelly will later be interned at Fairmount Cemetery in Spokane, WA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to the Colon Cancer Alliance (https://www.ccalliance.org /1025 Vermont Ave., NW - Suite 1066, Washington, DC 20005) or to the Humane Society of Southwest Washington (https://southwesthumane.org /1100 NE 192nd Ave., Vancouver, WA 98684).