On February 16, 2023, Kelley Shoemaker, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, passed away at the age of 62.
Kelley was born Feb. 18, 1960, in Columbia, Mo., to Robert and Elva Canning Schafer. She grew up in Salem, Mo., and earned a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy in 1983 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
She married Mike Shoemaker May 18, 1985, in Salem. The couple lived in Lee’s Summit, Mo., with their sons, John and Joe, until moving to Long Valley, NJ, in 1996. In 2021, they moved to Lawrence, Kan., to be closer to family.
Kelley worked as a hospital and retail pharmacist in Kansas City and Long Valley before retiring in 2018. She belonged to Valley View Chapel in Long Valley, where she played bass guitar in the praise band and volunteered in the senior high girls ministry, the church nursery, and the library. She also had been active in her sons’ school, and sports activities. Kelley enjoyed traveling, attending Broadway plays, walking, reading, and sewing.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Mike, of Lawrence; sons, John, (Casey Boyles) of Alexandria, Va., and Joe, of Philadelphia, Pa.; a granddaughter, June Kelley Shoemaker; her mother, Elva, of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; brothers, Rob (Minnie), of Cuba, Mo., and John (Suzie), of Loch Lloyd, Mo.; two nieces; seven nephews; four great-nieces; four great-nephews; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held 11 am, March 18 at Valley View Chapel in Long Valley, N.J. The family asks that you pray that medical science will discover a safe and effective treatment for Posterior Cortical Atrophy.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044 or donate directly at https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2 f_id=51079&51079.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_google&s_subsrc=giving_google&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpJ3GoY-l_QIVOButBh0UgAf-EAAYAiAAEgJKlfD_BwE
We were very saddened when we heard of Kelley’s passing but truly blessed to have known this beautiful angel who will always be in our hearts. Our prayers are with you today and always !!!
My sincerest condolences to you Mike and your family during this difficult time. May the Lord keep you safe under His wing as you begin to navigate this new existence. My prayers are with you and your entire family.
Kelley was such a kind and loving person that we feel honored to have met. Our thoughts are with Mike and family at this difficult time.
Mrs. Shoemaker was one of the kindest people I’ve met. Praying for peace for the whole family.
Kelley was one of the nicest women I had the pleasure to meet. She touched many lives while volunteering her time at VVC. She will be missed.
Kelley was one of the first people I met when the boys started school. I will always remember her joyful smile and treasure the memories I have of her. It is a blessing to know that someday I will see her again. Remembering all of you in my prayers.
Couldn’t begin to say enough wonderful things about Kelley and her sweet caring family. Elva, Mike, Rob, John, and family, our prayers go out to you and that you feel Gods comfort and peace at this difficult time.
Kelley will be forever loved and treasured by us. Her joyful heart and sweet spirit brightened every encounter we had with her. She made her world a better place. As St. Paul told the Philippians: “I thank my God for every remembrance of you.”
So shocked to hear of Kelley’s passing. What a wonderful, kind person. My condolences to her treasured family.
Our condolences to the family. We remember Kelley being a very kind, thoughtful person. We’re very saddened by the news of her passing.
So sorry to hear the loss of Kelly, sending prayers for the family. We go way back as schoolmates.
To John , Ashley and rob,
Your sister(aunt ) was such a positive influence on all of you.
John, I don’t think you would have ever considered pharmacy school without Kelly.
Rob, my daughter Lindsey would’ve never met Ashley without your mom. First playdate in second grade and they have stayed in touch to this day.
Kelly had such an impact on your family and mine. Band, academics ect. So sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry for your loss and our prayers will be with your family during this difficult time.
Mike … Pam and I are so very sorry to hear about Kelley … she was special, as you know. We’ll always treasure the friendship and memories we have of you guys. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family … Take care!
Mike, John, Joe. Elva, John and Rob. I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Kelley. Praying for God’s comfort in the days ahead. Cherish the amazing life she lead and the wonderful memories you shared . Every memory I have with Kelley is a warm one and we had some great times. I’ll never forget her. She will be missed.
Larry and I send our prayers and sympathy to this dear family! Our families kinda grew up together back years ago at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Salem, Mo! So many wonderful memories of Kelley, Rob, and John, Bob and Elva, and later with Robb, Kathy , and their girls! We treasure those memories!
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family, Mike, at this time of great loss. Please get in touch.
God received another angel. Kelley was a light in everyone’s life she touched. The world lost one of the good ones, my best friend and sister at heart. We will miss you everyday. God speed, Kelley. ❤️