Jennifer L. Stellwagon, 48, passed away Monday morning May 28, 2018 on the Big Island of Hawaii, in Kona Community Hospital located in Kealakekua.
Services will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 2:30 pm at First United Methodist Church–West Campus in Lawrence, Kansas. Family will receive friends from 1:30-2:30 pm for a visitation prior to the service.
Jennifer was born February 15, 1970 in Iola, Kansas, the daughter of Martha Werntz and Charles Hammond. She graduated from Burlington High School in 1988. She attended Emporia State University, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1992.
She married Joseph Stellwagon on October 27, 1993 in Ochos Rios, Jamaica. To this union four children were born, including two sons, Kiefer (22) and Reese (19) and two daughters, Carli (19) and Rylie (16).
Jennifer and Joe made their home in Lawrence, Kansas, where Jennifer was a busy mom and homemaker raising their four children. As the kids grew up, she devoted her time to volunteering as a room parent and as a PTA member at Broken Arrow Elementary and South Middle Schools. She was a volunteer with Girl Scouts, serving as troop leader for both of her daughters. She was also an adult leader with Boy Scouts, Troop 59. She went on many adventures with her children through Scouts, including a 10-day canoe trip at the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota in 2011.
As the children continued to grow older, she started to work outside the home as a preschool teacher for Kids First, and as an elementary substitute teacher for USD 497.
Jennifer had an adventurous spirit and loved being outdoors. She loved going to the lake, camping, kayaking and challenging herself with a 3,000 piece puzzle. She was also very family oriented. Spending time with them brought her immense amounts of joy. Despite her life ending too soon, she lived a very blessed life surrounded by friends and family.
She was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2016. Despite the adversity she faced with the disease, she fought it with an incredibly positive attitude. At both Lawrence Memorial Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, she made friends with everyone in her presence. From receptionists, aides, nurses and doctors, she greeted everyone warmly and always called them by name. With such a positive attitude she was often quoted saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!”.
Jennifer is survived by her husband, Joseph, and their four children. She is also survived by her step father, William Werntz; sisters, Christina Brumley, Kathleen Rhodes; and her brother, Justin Hammond, along with several nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jennifer Stellwagon Children’s Education Fund, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Joe, I have no words that could ever provide sufficient comfort. I will never forget Jennifer’s indomitable courage and the devotion you two shared.
Joe,
I have no words that can ease the pain you and your family are feeling. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Dearest Joe, Kiefer, Reese, Carli & Rylie, our love and prayers car with you all. Jennifer’s spirit will be with us always and forever more. And we will miss her very much. She certainly fought the good fight in her life in many ways. Prayers to all of you.
To the family of Jennifer. I met Jennifer when she came to Grief Share. We talked about our mothers and she was a comfort to me. It’s been a little over 7 years since I last saw her, but I have continued to think of her over the years and how kind she was to me. I didn’t know about her cancer journey. I wish I’d reached out to her in some way. My prayers are with you all.
cousin I know someday I will see you again. with our father in heaven. a kind a loving heart you had to share with all that knew you. miss you prayers
I only knew her on the Eagle Bend golf course as she would come out with Carli to watch Dawson play golf for Baker U and we would talk about her cancer…she was always up and smiling that beautiful smile. I had great admiration for her and the manner she took on her cancer. I think the Lord took her to be with Him after he allowed you to travel to Kona to fullfil her wish to see Hawaii. Awesome woman! We love Carli and enjoyed Jennifer a lot and can only pray for the family left behind.
My prayers to all of Jennifer’s family. When I moved to Burlington in the 11th grade Jennifer made me feel so welcomed. I had come from Washington DC. to this little town, talk about a shock adjustment. I always knew I had someone with an open ear if I needed one. Jennifer you will be truly missed.
Jennifer was a wonderful person. I so enjoyed working with her on PTA projects at Broken Arrow and South. She made everything a little brighter!
Joe,
So sorry to hear about Jennifer. She always had the best attitude about everything! Prayers for your family.
Kevin Lashley
Jennifer was so kind and always smiling. She often asked what she could do to help out at Broken Arrow! She was a wonderful example of a very actively involved Mother! I remember my last conversation with her and how positive her spirit was about her cancer journey! She always had such a great attitude. Your family will be in my prayers.
Jo and family,
I am so so sorry to hear about Jennifer. I will always remember her bright eyes and beautiful smile. Whenever she walked into the room you knew minutes later you would be laughing. She was such a special lady. I will truly miss her. Prayers and hugs to your family.
We are so sorry to hear of Jennifer’s passing. She was always so proud of her family and always such a positive and fun person to be around. She was amazing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Lisa and Lynn Harrod
I’m so incredibly sorry. Jennifer was my Girl Scout leader in kindergarten and first grade. My prayer are with all of you.
So sorry to hear about Jennifer! I will keep her family in my thoughts and prayers!
Prayers for peace for all of you. She was a kind hearted person and such an easy person to talk to. I will keep you all in my prayers. Tawnia Lashley
Always a smile and forever so kind! With deepest sympathy.
Barbie and Greg Yowell
So sorry for your loss. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Joe and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Jennifer. She was an amazing, beautiful soul. She meant so much to do many people. She will be missed!
You will be missed so much, so many memories throughout Avery and Rylies school years, so many memories just talking with you, thank you for your friendship, thank you for being such a wonderful friend.
Kiefer and Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers! You’re Mom set an example for us all about how to live life! I remember how much she loved you and your siblings and never hesitated to “get involved” if she thought it would help. She will live on in the hearts of the lives she touched which was many, including mine. Your a special guy and she knew it!!!!!!!!
We are all so sorry to hear of Jennifer’s passing. She was a kind and generous friend. You are all in our thoughts.
Joe and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jennifer was an example of perseverance through difficult circumstances. Her frank outlook on life and her questioning attitude was a breath of fresh air. I will treasure memories of her and know she continues to be a bright light on the other side of the veil.
Jennifer brought her warmth, laughter and smiles to our kindergarteners at Quail Run. When I think of her, I am reminded of a ray of sushine. God bless.
It was a privilege to have worked with Jennifer and to call her friend. A bright spirit like hers will be missed on this earth.
She had such an amazing spirit! Sending love and prayers…
May the Lord bless and keep your family.
Jo and family, so sorry for the loss of your wife and momma. she will be missed by us all. Your in our prayers.
Joe and Family, We are so sorry to hear about Jennifer. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.