Kinley Joanna Shelby, age 5, received her angel wings on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Beloved daughter of Jeff and Corinne (nee Deloske) Shelby; dearest sister of Carter, 7, and Keaton, 2; loving granddaughter of Steve and JoAnn Shelby and Bill and Shari Deloske; sweet niece of Jennifer (Duff) Coombs and Kyle (Pam) Deloske; dear cousin of Kole, Jack, and Liam; loved by Miss Patty, Mr. Ed and big sis Sophie; and missed by her dog, Emma.
Services: Memorial visitation from 2-7 p.m., Sunday, August 29 at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road.
Kinley spread love and happiness to everyone she met. She was passionate about tie-dyed shirts and the color purple on toys, clothes, cups and straws, and loved that her mom painted a wall in her room purple and covered it with sprinkles of purple, pink, and green.
Sprinkles were just a part of everyday life for her. She loved to draw and play games and had to have sprinkles on her ice cream — every time! She sprinkled love and laughter in every activity. She constantly amazed her family while driving her little Hoverboard scooter in the driveway. And she was so proud that she had just learned how to wiggle four hula hoops at one time.
She was her older sister’s shadow and wanted to do whatever Carter wanted to do. She absolutely loved the outdoors and spent long hours watching birds and butterflies with Miss Patty or, in the winter, lying on her back pretending to be a sled as she launched herself down the backyard hill, laughing as those first “sprinkles” of snow tickled her nose.
She was as smart as her favorite candy, Smarties, and she could always talk her mom and dad into getting blue slushies or stopping at McDonalds. She also was a daddy’s girl, his Little Buddy, whether it was getting chores done, going on errands, or fishing. You know they were both grinning from ear to ear when Kinley recently caught a huge catfish in the family pond!
It was Kinley who convinced our family to get a puppy, Emma, this year to while away the hours during Covid. On weekend “stay at home” days, she and her dad could often be found giggling together at night and then falling asleep in the basement on the big couch.
Always the animal lover, Kinley dragged her stuffed toy, Rocky the Horse, wherever she went, and told her family constantly not to step on any ants because they might get hurt. She took time to smell the flowers and picked up lots of pretty rocks and pebbles, which became a growing collection in a bucket in her room.
Her gift was being silly and making people laugh around her. She was so ready to start kindergarten and make new friends. While we deeply grieve her absence from us here, we know she’s sprinkling light up there and spreading joy. We’ll watch for butterflies and purple skies and remember to hug Emma and sprinkle happiness to as many places and people as we can, because that’s what Kinley would want us to do.
Outdoor Celebration of Life: We want to honor Kinley on October 10, 2021 — her birthday — by taking part in SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation’s virtual Sun Run that day. If you can, join us! We will plan a gathering place to have fun outdoors. Please check the link below as we finalize details of that day.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, Memorial contributions may be made to: SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation, 3800 Park Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110 or please donate directly in celebration of her life: https://sunraise.glennon.org/kinley
I was so heartbroken to hear of your family’s loss. My heart is with you all.
I’m so sorry for your loss prayers!
May she always be present in everything that surrounds you.
We send our deepest condolences.
I’m sorry just isn’t enough. My heart hurts for you.
My deepest condolences for the loss of this beautiful life.
So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to your sweet girl. Many prayers for peace, strength and comfort for your family.
So sorry man my thoughts are with you
Sorry for your loss my friend my prayers are with you and your family
Sorry to hear of your loss my condolences and prayers to the family.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts, heart and prayers are with you and your family
We are so very sorry to have heard about Kinley. Even though we only saw her the few times we visited Ed, Patty, and Sophie we were able to see her in numerous pictures or to say hello on phone calls. She will hold a special place in our family’s heart. Every butterfly we see we will say “Hi Kinley” to it.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Our hearts are broken for your family and your loss
We are praying for comfort and healing for you
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May her resting place be forever perfumed with love and countless blessings.
We’re heartbroken for your family, and sorry you’re going through these extremely difficult times. We’ll keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet girl. Prayers to the family for comfort during this unbearable time.
We are praying for all of you and are so sorry that you are going through this. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Jeff and family- please know we are lifting you all in prayers for peace. What a beautiful tribute to your little girl!
We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful little girl.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Your daughter was a true inspiration to everyone around her. Maverick is lucky to have known her for the time that he did. Our prayers are with you.
Praying that your burden will be lightened by the presence of so many friends who love you and share in your suffering, and wish to walk through this with you.
We send love and prayers.
Our hearts are broken for you.
We believe god has wrapped his arms around Kinley to welcome her home.
Prayers for peace and healing for everyone at this difficult time.
I am so sorry. Your family is in my prayers. And your Hagemann family will do anything you need.
We are so sorry for your family’s loss and we are wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
From the moment I held Kinley as a baby, I knew she was so special. My heart is breaking for you all and I pray that Kinley continues to sprinkle her love around you always ♥️
My heart goes out to the whole family . May God comfort you all at this time of sorrow. Heaven got a beautiful angel in heat
So sorry to hear, may god be with you as you go though these times. Prayers being sent from our home to yours
I want to offer my sincerest sympathy to your family. You do not know me but I feel like I know you ( my sister is Cindy Bennington) Many people in MI are lifting you and your family up with May You find
the peace only God can give when there is no earthly understanding.
Jeff, I was so heartbroken to hear about your family’s loss. What a beautiful little girl. It’s not possible for us to understand the why. I wish I could somehow know God’s perfect plan so that I could attempt to give you some comfort, but that isn’t the way life on this earth works. I do believe there will come a day when it will all be clear to us, but until then our church family is lifting up you and your family. May the Lord give you the peace that passes all understanding.
Keeping you and your family in our prayers. Beautiful tribute to your daughter.
Wishing you Peace and Comfort at this difficult time. My heart breaks for all of your family. I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Kinley
My heart breaks for you all! Deepest sympathy! Fly high sweet girl! Praying for you all!
I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. I wish you strength to carry your family through this time.
Our hearts go out to you and your whole family. So deeply sorry for the lose of your daughter. Many prayers for your family.
Jeff and family we are so very sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the pain you must feel. Put your trust in God and he will lead you through. Many prayers during this most difficult time.
Jeff i can not express the sadness i feel for you and your family. My deepest condolences.
Our love and prayers pour out to you and your family.her memory will never fade. I’m remembering you in my daily mass.
My deepest condolences on your loss. Sending you prayers and positive energy.
Jeff and Family,
Steve and I extend our deepest sympathy as you mourn the tragic loss of your beautiful Kinley. Please know you have our support and love now and always.
Susan and Steven Shields
Dear Jeff and Family,
Bob and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family at this very difficult time. While we didn’t know Kinley personally, your obituary was a beautiful tribute to a very special child who will be missed by all. May your memories of time spent with Kinley comfort and sustain you during this very sad time.
Sending my deepest condolences for the loss of your beautiful daughter, Kinley. All my thoughts and prayers are with you all as my heart breaks for you. Wish there were more adequate words that would help.
So sorry for you loss
Jeff and Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the precious memories made with sweet Kinley!
Jeff, Corinne, and Family:
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. We send you all our love. Your family is in our prayers. We want to express our sincerest sympathy for the loss of your beautiful, sweet, amazing little girl.
Peace, Love and Prayers to all of Angel Kinley’s family.
So sorry for your loss.
We continue to keep your family in our prayers. I am so sorry for your loss and pray peace and comfort for your whole family. May God continue to keep his arms wrapped around each of you.
To Kinley’s family—
My Isabel loved your Kinley as they were great friends in Ms Rubie’s class. Thank you for sharing Kinley with us.
Sending my deepest sympathies for the loss of your amazing sweet girl.
Sending our condolences to your family and I want you to know that our hearts go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers .
I don’t know your family but this memorial really touched my heart. We lost our 4 year old daughter over 20 years ago and she too loved the color purple and was so very smart and loved. The pain will ease with time and her memory will make you smile, but it will take time so be patient with yourself and each other. Everyone grieves differently and at a different time. Know that she is happy in heaven and that you will meet again someday. She is your angel now, interceding for you and loving you. Jane from St. Louis
To the family of the angel “Kinley”
So saddened to read of the passing of this beautiful girl…no one knows the pain you must be enduring! Although not related to any of your directly, we are joined in heart as part of God’s creation. May you know there are many as me who will keep you in their prayers. The peace that surpasses all understanding, that which come from God, envelope you.
Jay Braden
Manchester, MO
Ryan, the boys, and I are so heartbroken over the loss of precious Kenlie. We are praying for comfort for all of you. We absolutely can’t imagine the pain that your hearts are going through and we are so so sorry.
So sad I have a 4 year old daughter and my heart would break in half if , I ever lost her. I’m so sorry your baby is gone. I can’t imagine what your going through , but you will see you’re sweet little angel again someday.
I am so sorry for your loss and that of your family wait I cannot imagine losing a child and there are just no words awards sending prayers and hugs in love