On Saturday, April 15, 2023, our beloved Kelly Leigh Gantt, amazing wife and mother of three children, received her wings at age 39. Kelly was born on February 17, 1984 at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland to Stephen and Renee Hult of Grain Valley, Missouri. Kelly received her Undergraduate Degree from Missouri State University in 2006, and her Master’s Degree in Education from Southwest Baptist University in 2009. She was a math wiz – teaching the subject at Lee’s Summit West High School for 17 years. Kelly loved music – playing clarinet and saxophone – and was heavily involved in band throughout high school and college. This passion led her to become an assistant with the Lee’s Summit West High School marching band, starting in 2009.On July 15, 2006, Kelly was united in marriage to Joshua Michael Gantt in Bates City, Missouri. Together they brought three beautiful children into the world, Hudson James Gantt, and daughters Finley Regan Gantt and Mattingly (Addie) Rose Gantt. Kelly wanted nothing more than to be a mother. These kiddos were her whole world, and she was always putting their needs before her own. She was the role model that they will continue to look up to and her legacy will forever live on in the three of them.
Kelly enjoyed anything baseball and softball related – from her children’s little league games to the Kansas City Royals. She also loved the outdoors and travel, her most recent memorable trips being to Alaska with just her and Josh and a family trip to Disney World with her parents, Josh, and the kids. Kelly knew the importance of making memories and wanted these moments for her children, even in the midst of her illness.
In addition to the trips above, Kelly recently embarked on her first mission trip to Honduras, doing what she loved—teaching. Loved ones donated supplies and materials to help her fulfill God’s calling in educating other teachers. This trip was out of her comfort zone, as it was her first big “YES!” when answering His calling. This “YES!” led to many more “YESs!” and opportunities to grow on her walk with Jesus. Kelly was devoted to being an active member at Eagle Creek Church and being a godly example for her children and encouraging them to live daily for the Lord.
Kelly was a selfless woman whose passing left an unfillable gap in the hearts of her loved ones. Her ability to sacrifice, provide, support, forgive, and love, will be forever ingrained in all that knew her.
In addition to her loving family, Kelly is survived by her brother, Matthew Stephen Hult of Grain Valley, Missouri; in-laws Angela and Mark Rust of Kansas City, Missouri and Kelly’s sister-at-heart, Meagan Rose and her husband Tony Pierce of Fort Myers, Florida. Her maternal grandparents, Ruth and Wayne Morey of Grain Valley, Missouri and paternal grandmother, Eloise Hult of Shawnee, Kansas, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and one nephew and two nieces. Kelly was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, William Hult.
Kelly Gantt’s family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 21, 2023, at Eagle Creek Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. The funeral service will start at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to an education fund to Kelly and Josh’s children. If you would like to make a contribution, please click here to help ensure the children’s education will be taken care of.
I love Kelly and all of you so very much. She has touched my life in ways even beyond what I can recognize at this time. I will think of her every time I teach. ❤️
I only knew Kelly for a short 8 months and I know I will forever be at disadvantage for that. But in the short time I knew her she endeared herself to me. She was warm, kind, generous and patient. She gave willingly and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to the new girl. I didn’t have to know her for years to love her and that alone speaks volumes about her as a person.
KG was such a pillar and intergal piece of the foundation of the LSW math department. I was blessed to be able to teach with her over the last 18 years and I will always remember what a good person she will forever be. A wonderful teacher,mother,wife, daughter, and friend. She left a wonderful mark in her short time on this earth. I thank God she is no longer in pain and I pray I will see her again.
Kelly welcomed me in at school when I was first a sub and later a colleague. I learned so much in the classroom from her. More than that, she was a trusted friend who helped generously and with great kindness during a difficult season of my life. I always knew she had my back and we shared many laughs. I am grateful to have had the privilege to work along side her and call her friend.
Josh and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Kelly’s passing. May God Bless and comfort you and the children in the days to come. Sending our thoughts and prayers.
Hugs to you all.🙏
God graced me with an angel named Kelly. I watched you grow from a little girl into an amazing young lady and a role model to all who have surrounded you all your life. I will miss your smile. I will miss your care and concern for others. I will miss the family fun times we shared together. Gonna miss you very much, Love you. Grandpa
Kelly and I lost touch over the years, but her friendship was such a huge part of my childhood; from kindergarten, playing tball together, through all the marching band fun in high school. She was such an amazing person, a great friend. Praying for her family and friends.
Kelly was my teacher turned co worker. You’d have never known the battles she has been through. I’ll always be a little bit better of a person because I knew her.
Kelly could light up the room with her smile, and she leaves an indellible mark on many of us. She was clever and thoughtful and kind. She loved her children and spoke of her husband and family in such a warm manner that you knew where her priorties were. Kelly will be dearly missed, but she left a piece of herslef with each person she came in contact with. We carry her memory forward. Love you, Kelly.
I worked at Lee’s Summit West for twelve years in the Life Skills room. I passed Kelly every morning in the hall. She always said hi to my kids with a great big smile. Whenever it was our turn for a fundraiser at “Culver’s Night,” she always brought Hudson, Finley, and Addie with her. Her kindness to the special needs kids was incredible. Always talking to them and making them feel good about serving her. May God wrap His loving arms around you… Josh, Hudson, Finley, and Addie and bring you comfort and healing. She will always be with you. Please believe that. Your wife and mom was amazing!! No more pain and suffering. May she rest in peace❤️
I am so very sorry for your loss. Kelly was such a sweetheart, and we all loved her very much. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Our most heartfelt sympathy to your family at this difficult time. May you feel His love for you. Prayers and strength🙏😇
This I just never imagined reading anytime soon. Over Easter I shared our pictures with my family our trip to California as freshman that ALL of our parents willingly sent us away for the Rose Bowl over NYE…. It’s 1999… we had no idea what the world would do with Y2K…. And as 14/15yo’s off we went on the adventure of a lifetime. Lots of memories from many moons ago & yet some days it feels like yesterday. I wish peace & relief of the heart. May her stories, kindness, & legacy live on through her children. It’s been a long time since Kelly & I spoke but I have nothing but respect for her. Lots of love for her family 🤍🤍 my sincerest condolences to family & friends of yesterday and today.
I didn’t really know Kelly; however, Josh would talk about her and their kids all the time. Kelly was a huge force of good in Josh’s life and constantly supported him. When Josh was called to repeatedly serve his community, Kelly would hold down the fort. Kelly was her family’s spiritual rock. Thank you for leading by example and giving so much to this world!
We are sorry for your loss and wish you the best during your time of healing.
Kelly will always be my little girl sitting in my Tupperware cabinet. I knew Kelly before she was born. I met Her mommy when she was expecting her. We were next door neighbors at andrews air force base. She was the sweetest little baby. Loved her dearly. I am still in a stupor over her passing. I can hatdly believe it. Things like this aren’t supposed to happen. She should be taking care of her children for many years to come. She will me missed. I loved her so much. Jesus has a wonderful addition to his family in heaven. I look forward to seeing her again. I Love all of her family. Love Kie.
I’ll never forget the first time I met Kelly in Girl Scouts. Her friendliness was contagious just like her smile and laughter. She was always a role model in life even at a young age. Rest Easy.
Such a huge loss to this world but what a gift for the next. Thank you, Kelly for all the love you shared in this life. I’m devastate for you family and friends loss but I know you are now pain free watching over all of them. God Bless and Angels All Around You. Much ❤️
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Kelly’s family. Kelly was a big part of my early high school experience. She was such a sweet friend through those years. All of my love, thoughts, and prayers to the family.
Heartbreaking and unbelievable. Our deepest sympathy to each of Kelly’s family and loved ones.
I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
GOD has called a true Blessing home. Kelly was (and will always be) an inspiration to so many. Her life was what she made it. Her Family, GOD and her love for her job and friends defined her. So many lives were touched by her and her huge heart. Can’t express how much I Pray for comfort and peace for Josh Hudson,Finley and Addie. Angie& Mark, Steve and Renee. GOD Bless you All.
So Sorry for your loss. Praying for you and the family in your time of loss. May God be with you.
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. I know Kelly will be truly missed. Praying for your family.
I am deeply sad. I will pray for her family, and knew her to a a kind and dedicated educator.
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Kelly from the dance studio in Greenwood. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the peace of God surround you during this time of sorrow.
Mrs. Gant, as I knew her, deeply impacted my life. I always struggled with math in high school and Mrs. Gant took time out of her busy schedule to assist me in my learning. I also got the chance to interact with her in band in high school. She was such a pillar in my experience in my education. Sending my sincere condolences to her family and friends in this time.
Kelly dear Kelly…you were the bright spot in so many school days, band trips, and Girl Scout events for me. Truly there is a giant hole left for 100 people to try to fill. My 3 best months of teaching were most likely when you took over my classes and taught as a young, enthusiastic student teacher. Technology was getting the best of me (having stayed home and coming late to the party), but you were patient and kind and encouraging…the student was teaching the teacher. Today, saying goodbye was brutal, but yet again, your celebration taught me, reminded me, what is important. Thank you Kelly! Sadly, your lovely “thank you” student teacher gift and attempt to clean up my desk, never took (I still have it). I still have a messy desk and too many pencils and pens and papers. Even picking Saturday for your celebration was a blessing…no sub plans ;)…so kind! You are a treasure and will never be forgotten!!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Josh, Hudson, Finley and Addie. We will continue to hold you in our thoughts and prayers as you navigate this difficult time. Sending all our love and comforting hugs for the weeks and months to come.