Kelsey Lynne Gross
August 31, 1994 - November 17, 2024
Obituary
On November 17, 2024, Kelsey Lynne Gross, of Renton, Washington, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 30 years. Beloved by her mother, Brenda Pepper, and step-father, Jeff Pepper, Kelsey’s heartbreaking loss is also shared by her father, Rick Gross, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; her cherished sister, Haley Holmgren; and family (Micah Holmgren; niece, Violet; and nephew, Casper) of Moorehead, Minnesota. Kelsey is also survived by her loving fiancé and best friend, Taylor Williams, and will be held in spirit by step-sister, Dakotah Nazarchuk and family (Vitaliy and James); grandparents, Richard Gross, Lori Frisby, and Nancy Korseck; uncle, Troy Ensey; aunts, Leanne Ensey and Julie Beach; uncle Reggie Gross; and many cousins. Kelsey was preceded in death by her grandfather, Herbert Ensey and aunt, Jennifer Ensey.
Kelsey was known for her boundless compassion and a heart that always reached out to those in need. Her empathy was deeply rooted in her own experiences, which fueled her aspiration to become a counselor. She dreamed of helping others navigate their struggles, offering them the understanding and emotional support she so generously shared with everyone she met. Though she had little to give, she was generous with what she had and often gave to people she saw struggling on the street, often stopping to talk to strangers that she could see were in need of help, even if all she could give were kind words.
Her kindness, generosity, and love for all living creatures, especially cats, were hallmarks of her character. Kelsey’s gentle spirit and unwavering dedication to helping others left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Her family and friends remember her as a beacon of hope and kindness, as well as a fighter. She fought relentlessly to overcome her struggles. Her life was not an easy one but she forged ahead, still trying to move forward and make a difference for herself and others. Through her own struggle and pain, she still thought of others, frequently checking in with others to see how they were doing.
She had an amazing sense of humor that could lighten any mood and surprise you when you least expected it. She had a way about her to make others smile just when they needed it.
Kelsey’s life, though brief, was filled with love, empathy, and concern for others. Her legacy of compassion and her dream of making the world a better place for those who struggle will continue to inspire those who knew her. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.
A private memorial service will be held to honor and celebrate Kelsey’s life and enduring spirit on Sunday, January 5, 2025 2:00pm-5:00pm at Bonney Watson in Federal Way, 1535 SW Dash Point Road. (253) 839-7317. Please feel free to share thoughts or memories on her obituary page. At the service there will be an opportunity to write down thoughts, memories, poems, or anything meaningful you would like to share with her loved ones or in memoriam to Kelsey. There will also be opportunity to speak for those inclined.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to local animal shelters or rescues of your choice, reflecting Kelsey’s love for animals, or the Hope Soldiers organization. Hope Soldiers, based in Snohomish County, is a non profit organization helping people find freedom from addiction and mental health struggles through their HOPE movement. Hope Soldiers went above and beyond any other organization, public or private to provide assistance to Kelsey in her time of need, and asked nothing in return. I believe in them with all my heart and often share their organization myself with people I see struggling with addiction.
Kelsey is my second born and I will never forget the moment they layed her on my belly and we locked eyes. I cherish all my happy memories of her growing up. How she would take her pacifier out to talk and plop it back in. The way she scratched her belly in her onesie. We read all the Harry Potter books and when the second one came out as a movie she insisted it wouldn´t be too scary. Literally as soon as we got in the theatre and sat down she changed her mind! Watching her play sports…she was actually very athletic! She had such a kind heart for other kids who seemed to be underdogs or bullied. As she got older of course she had her difficulties and often we were at odds. But it´s because of those difficulties and her struggles that I learned so much about accepting others, being less judgmental and more understanding that everyone is fighting their own kind of battle and on their own journey. I´m a better person because the child taught the parent. My heart is broken she left this world so young with so much life ahead of her. But I´m also grateful she is no longer suffering and she is in a better place where there is unconditional love and understanding. I love you Kelsey.