Kendall Lynn Gillespie, age 26, of Nixa passed away on April 2, 2024, at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia. Kendall was born to Cindy Gillespie Montoya on Sept. 24, 1997, in Springfield, Missouri. She was raised in Strafford where she attended school.

She was an organ donor, and the family finds comfort in the knowledge that with her passing countless others now have a chance to live.

Kendall was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Karl “Bus” Gillespie. She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Cindy and Marc Montoya of Nixa; grandmother, Becky Gillespie, of Nixa; older sister, brother-in-law, and nephews, Karson Gillespie, Jacob Bass, Mason, and Wyatt; younger sister and fiancé, Kelsee Montoya and Chase Croker; youngest sister Karyssa Montoya; cousins Lucca Gillespie and Madison Andrews, as well as many other relatives.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date by invitation from the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Kendall’s memory to the Community Partnership of the Ozarks, 330 N. Jefferson, Springfield MO 65806 or cpozarks.org.