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Smith known as fighter, popular
BY:Holly Kramer, Staff writer
“So thanks for making me a fighter” states the strip across the top of Overland Park teen Kelsey Smith’s Xanga Web page.
Smith’s strong spirit provided the biggest source of hope for family and friends, boyfriend John Biersmith said.
“She fights,” Biersmith said. “She could kick someone’s butt. She’s the strongest woman I know.”
Smith, an 18-year-old Shawnee Mission West High School graduate, went missing about 7 p.m. Saturday, June 2. Law enforcers discovered her body Wednesday in Grandview, Mo.
Smith’s family said she went shopping for a graduation present at Target, adjacent to the south side of Oak Park Mall, and did not return home. Police found her car on the mall parking lot.
One of Smith’s blogs shows her excitement for bands that played at West’s Rock for Hope benefit concert. Another said how ready she is to attend Kansas State University in the fall.
Biersmith called Smith “cute, outspoken and blunt.”
“She has a go-get-it attitude,” Biersmith said.
He said he started dating Smith either Nov. 18 or Dec. 1.
“It depends on when she said we started dating,” he said.
The couple met and worked together at the AMC movie theater in Leawood.
Smith’s Web pages on Xanga.com and Myspace.com show a life filled with music, books and friends. She lists “band, choir, theater, dancing and many more” as the clubs to which she belongs.
“She’s hardcore into band. She plays the clarinet,” friend Hannah Groom, 18, said.
Overland Park Elementary teacher Kellie Rhodes had Kelsey’s siblings in class and said she remembered Kelsey as “family oriented.”
“When she came to pick them up, she would always ask how they were doing,” Rhodes said. “They’re a close family.”
Smith’s father, Greg Smith, called Kelsey “great.”
“She’s so outgoing, so popular,” Greg said.
He thanked the people who helped search for his daughter. “So many friends have shown up just to help. We miss her, we love her,” Greg said.
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Smith’s strong spirit provided the biggest source of hope for family and friends, boyfriend John Biersmith said.
“She fights,” Biersmith said. “She could kick someone’s butt. She’s the strongest woman I know.”
Smith, an 18-year-old Shawnee Mission West High School graduate, went missing about 7 p.m. Saturday, June 2. Law enforcers discovered her body Wednesday in Grandview, Mo.
Smith’s family said she went shopping for a graduation present at Target, adjacent to the south side of Oak Park Mall, and did not return home. Police found her car on the mall parking lot.
One of Smith’s blogs shows her excitement for bands that played at West’s Rock for Hope benefit concert. Another said how ready she is to attend Kansas State University in the fall.
Biersmith called Smith “cute, outspoken and blunt.”
“She has a go-get-it attitude,” Biersmith said.
He said he started dating Smith either Nov. 18 or Dec. 1.
“It depends on when she said we started dating,” he said.
The couple met and worked together at the AMC movie theater in Leawood.
Smith’s Web pages on Xanga.com and Myspace.com show a life filled with music, books and friends. She lists “band, choir, theater, dancing and many more” as the clubs to which she belongs.
“She’s hardcore into band. She plays the clarinet,” friend Hannah Groom, 18, said.
Overland Park Elementary teacher Kellie Rhodes had Kelsey’s siblings in class and said she remembered Kelsey as “family oriented.”
“When she came to pick them up, she would always ask how they were doing,” Rhodes said. “They’re a close family.”
Smith’s father, Greg Smith, called Kelsey “great.”
“She’s so outgoing, so popular,” Greg said.
He thanked the people who helped search for his daughter. “So many friends have shown up just to help. We miss her, we love her,” Greg said.
Comments on "Smith known as fighter, popular"
Comments are limited to 200 words or less.Lisa Kitter wrote on Jun 13, 2007 3:35 PM:
" I was shocked and saddened to hear of Kelsey's death and especialy under these circumstances. From the first day she went missing, I prayed for her safety and for your entire family.
My blessings and thoughts continue today. I know God has a plan & I have to believe that somehow this is part of the divine plan. Please know that the entire USA is grieving for your loss and we're here for you in thought and Kelsey will continue to live in our hearts. "
Diana Forston, Va Beach, VA wrote on Jun 9, 2007 11:24 AM:
" I would like you to know people all over the country mourn for your loss. It is a tragedy to every parent to fear our children's safety. I pray for God to be with you. I know Kelsey is with HIm now as I have read nothing but good about her. Take care, we'll all see her again sooner than we know. "
Debbie Mulford and Family wrote on Jun 8, 2007 9:15 PM:
" I can not imagine what you are feeling but just like the Zagacki Family said you and Kelsey are in our thoughts I have a 9 year old girl and she has not been out of my sight since.Kelsey is in my thoughts all the time and I didnt even know her. I am so so sorry for your loss. "
Sherral wrote on Jun 8, 2007 2:39 PM:
" Why would a man, a husband and a father do something so horrific. How would he feel if someone took the life of his son. What possible motivitaion could he have to do such a thing. Kelsey never had a chance to experience life as an adult. I hope they give him the death penalty. "
Bob & Debbie Zagacki, Michigan wrote on Jun 7, 2007 8:44 PM:
" We would like to offer our condolences to the family of Kelsey Smith. We, too, are parents and cannot imagine the loss they suffer. Know that the Smith family are in the thoughts and prayers of every family across these United States. "