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Kelsey Couch
01/11/1986 — 10/15/2021
From Richland Wa
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Kelsey Couch
Surrounded by all four of her parents, Kelsey Ann Couch of Richland, WA died early Friday, October 15th at Kadlec Hospital in Richland, WA.
Kelsey was born in Richland, WA on January 11, 1986 to Gregg and Cathy (Chappelle) Couch; she grew up in the Tri-Cities attending Westside Preschool, Tapteal Elementary and Hanford Middle/High School. She graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2008 with a degree in early childhood education and a minor in English.
Kelsey was a bright light who loved hard. In her early years, she dabbled with tap dancing, basketball and soccer. She loved Circus Club and playing in the Kid Calypso band; her true love was Bram Brata where she convinced her parents she was determined enough to continue playing that she committed to have built and own her own steel drum. These were to be the years that helped mold her self-confidence and self-esteem. In high school, Kelsey held several school leadership positions, worked for Chitty’s Swimland, JC Penney’s and was involved in many community activities.
Kelsey’s energy came from helping people and as a result, she established a tremendous network of co-workers, new friends, and customers. Her involvement in the service industry fit that model very well and allowed her to use the leadership skills developed at an earlier age. Kelsey was also searching for a way to elevate the performance of the service crowd. She held a key role in developing training programs for restaurants while at the same time, improving efficiencies and processes. She and “Chef” took on the role of a startup restaurant in Seattle; much of their clientele were residents supporting a local hospital. This played directly into her empathetic leanings resulting in lifelong connections with customers and their families.
Kels operated best as part of a family-like team. Not surprising, because of her service background, she loved to cook and host “Friendsgivings” for those that could not be close to family during holidays. She wouldn’t let anyone be “misplaced” – we could not possibly count the number of people who spent days or sometimes weeks sleeping on her couch because she couldn’t stand for someone to not have a place to stay or a meal to eat.
A huge dream of Kelsey’s was to become an event planner – a dream she realized a few years ago with the creation of Raelene Events. It was her hope to bring joy to families to celebrate special times in their life. Her time in Vancouver, WA brought new friendships and a new focus.
She enjoyed adventure trips that included biking in Ireland, hiking around Greece, a 100-mile hike along Highway 101, festivals in Montana – camping and enjoying the outdoors along the way. She went on many fishing trips with her dad and family including a memorable ten-day trip along the Nushagak River in Alaska.
Kelsey was always coming up with new ideas involving her melded family and friends. You had to stay sharp to keep up with her. There could never be an event in which she was involved with her complicated, melded family that she didn’t have a finger in. Her fur babies were a huge part of her family and gave her great comfort. You could guarantee her temper would flair if you talked trash about her beloved Seahawks.
Kelsey is survived by her loving parents: Gregg & Debbie Couch and Doug & Cathy Adkisson; siblings Kristen Rider (Colby); Jennifer Hamilton (Jake); Ryan Walsh; Jason Walsh; Kelsey Adkisson (Patrick Mirick); Lindsey Adkisson (Michael Wienerman) and Hailey Adkisson (Derek Dizney); nieces and nephews Lucas, Cylee, Liam, Mats, Malin, Mabel, Juniper, Nolan and Wyatt along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Kelsey was a loving, caring, giving and complicated soul who a large, large number of people will truly miss. Hey kid … we’re always on your shoulder! Love and Light! Rest in peace sweet girl.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kelsey’s name to an animal shelter of your choice. Services will be held Friday, October 22nd at Einan’s at Sunset Gardens Event Center (915 Bypass Highway, Richland) at 5:00 pm; Reception following. The family invites you to sign their online guestbook at https://www.sunsetgardenstricities.com/einans funeral-home/
Note: both the Service and Reception will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.
https://www.sunsetgardenstricities.com/obituaries/
Kathy and Greg, I’m so sorry for your loss. I was looking for another obituary and when I saw Kelsey’s picture I recognized both of you in her face. She sounds like a great young woman who made an impact, on not only the people who were around her, and made the world better through those she influenced. I remember the both of you and how you conducted your lives, I recognized her attributes from you both. I pray that you find peace and comfort in how Kelsey impacted the world. My love and prayers to you and your family.
Our hearts ache for the loss of sweet Kelsey. She made an impact on a lot of peoples’ lives and will never be forgotten. Such a bittersweet time for everyone, that those who flourished because of Kelsey now have to learn how to cope in her absence. May you find comfort in knowing that she did touch so many people in her loving ways.
That was a beautiful memorial. Such an inspiration and wonderful example of what the world definitely needs a lot more of. Thoughts and prayers to all the family. Love, cousin Steve
Cathy & Doug,
At a loss of words but please know that you’re in my thoughts & prayers.
Dearest Kelsey,
You are and will forever be missed beyond measure! Your contagious smile lights up a room. You’ve made me feel so loved with every conversation we have had. Thank you for memories I’ll cherish forever. I’m relieved you are no longer in pain but you left far too soon. I love you!
Kelsey, you were my first friend in Seattle and ended up being one of the most significant people in my life. You were one of the most giving, loving, and determined individuals anyone would be blessed to know – and I was lucky enough to be so close to you. There are not enough kind words to say about you, I miss you and you will forever be a part of my heart. Give some love to Daisy and Betty White for me. Love you Kels <3
We were so very sorry to hear about Kelsey. She played in Bram Brata with our son, Chris. We will always remember her beautiful smile and cheerful, positive light that she exuded. Sending our thought and prayers.
So sorry for your loss she will be missed by all who loved her
GREG & CATHY WE WERE NOT MEANT TO OUTLIVE OUR CHILDREN. SO VERY SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR DAUGHTER. I HOPE THAT YOU TAKE COMFORT IN THE LORD.
My deepest sympathy and love goes out to your beautiful family. I cannot even begin to imagine your grief and sorrow. I am there in spirit so feel my arms surround you all with warmth and hugs. I’m so sorry.
If God was looking for a new Angel that would watch over people, he certainly found one in Kelsey. She will be missed by many.
I was so sorry to hear about Kelsey. All of her family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Cathy and Doug: we are very sorry for your loss and are thinking about you as you get through these difficult times. We are just around the corner if you need us. Take care
Roger and Brenda
I am very sad about Kelsey. I had the opportunity to teach Kelsey in class and work with her on ASB during her time at Hanford High School. Kelsey was a kind, motivated, caring individual respected by her peers and our staff. I feel very fortunate to have been around Kelsey. GREAT PERSON. My condolences to her family. Take care.
I am so sorry to hear about this heartbreaking loss. At the same time I am so blessed to have been a part of Kelsey’s life. God Bless all of the immediate and extended families. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Terry Buechler
Our entire “Basswood” family is shocked and so saddened at seeing this news. We loved living across the street from Cathy and her two beautiful daughters when she was a single mom. Kelsey was a fireball and had so many dreams and goals. We just cannot comprehend that she is gone. So young and in the prime of life. We love reading these entries about her and realizing what a terrific caring person that she turned out to be. God bless all of you in her beloved blended family. Peace be with you.
My heart aches for you and your family. What a beautiful young lady. I am sending hugs and much love and I hope at those extremely hard times prayers sent your way will help ease your pain.
“You’re Magic”
Kelsey was just this. Pure magic. I had the pleasure of developing one of the truest friendships of my life while being a part of hers. Kelsey and I battled a few hardships while opening a small restaurant in Seattle. Playing the roles of “mom & dad” to some of the most amazing misfits I’ve ever worked with. She devoted her heart and soul to our guests through some of the most traumatic events in their worlds that we knew of. Kelsey never hesitated to sit beside them, hold their hands and cry knowing that meant more to them than just handing them a tissue and continuing service. The amount of love and respect this woman projected day in and day out to our guests and team (RHODY family) was incomparable to anything I’ve experienced in the hospitality industry. This was Kelsey, truly hospitable with every soul that crossed her path.
The HUG…Kelsey taught us all about “a cinnamon roll hug” which sounded silly, but let me say, the full force of energy and love that came out of that hug was something powerful no matter who was at the ooey gooey center. That woman knew how to love and love hard. She taught me how to do the same. Be kind, be true, be real.
Kelsey, I love you and will miss you dearly. It was an honor to stand beside you serving our family.
“I left you a pickle spear in the window babe.”
Your “Chef,”
Chase
Bright light is an understatement. Kelsey’s smile could and did light up the room, the hall and life in general. I consider myself so fortunate to have known her at Hanford High School. You are blessed to have had her, but of course she left you far too soon. My heart goes out to you, and you will miss her every day.
Kelsey could flash her beautiful smile and the room lit up. A bright light gone far too soon. Sincere condolences to her friends and family.
We are so very very sorry for you loss. Our hearts are aching. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending lots of love & prayers for you, Kristen, & your whole family. May God wrap his arms around you all & give you strength, comfort & peace 💜🙏💜🙏💜🙏💜🙏💜
Kelsey was was a sweet and beautiful niece, she will be missed! My condolences and love to the entire family and friends!❤️
Kelsey’s loss is hard to comprehend. She was truly beautiful inside and out. My condolences and love to the entire family.
Still trying to process that my Kelsey is gone. Kelsey was a rare gem. Beautiful inside and out, would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. We had frequent calls and she was the shoulder to cry on and I was a shoulder for her. She gave me a part time job when I was a single mom trying to send my eldest to college. When I was having medical issues she was the only friend to visit me in the hospital (multiple times/multiple occasions) and brought me Chef’s infamous grilled cheese because she KNEW it was my fav. She loved my babies and brought my son, Nate “doggie pop” (Mug root beer) without him even asking. She gave my daughter, Tori multiple jobs on multiple occasions. She was a die hard 12 and Jim Zorn’s #1 fan. I will continue to stand on my couch when our Hawks are down and take down any smacktalkers because I know she’d do the same. She was there for me and my family when my mom passed away and I’ll always be thankful. She was a part of my family and a part of my heart is now missing. I love you Kels and I’m selfishly wishing you were still here but thankful your pain is gone and you’re with your pups. You know how “I adore you” is the ultimate way to tell someone you love them and I 100% adore you and life will not be the same without you. RIP you, beautiful human.
Much love!
So sorry to hear that Kelsey has passed on to the next life. May Heavenly Fathers blessings be with her family and loved ones.
Guestbook for
Kelsey Couch