Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Kelly O'Loughlin Obituary
A vigil service is 7 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mary Catholic Community. Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary, with burial in Resurrection Cemetery. Retz Funeral Home of Helena is in charge of arrangements.
Kelly is survived by her parents, Carl and Gail, and her brother, Kevin. Other survivors include her aunts and uncles: Kerry and Laurie Neils and Dennis and Sheila Lopach all of Helena, Mike and Mary O'Loughlin of San Francisco, Calif., Carol Brownfield of Sacramento, Calif., and Cindy Egan of Denver, Colo. She is also survived by her dear cousins: Bridget Neils and Laura and Patrick Lopach, all of Helena, Chad and Monica Merrill and their children, Annemarie and Katelyn of Birmingham, Ala., Natalie Brownfield of Long Beach, Calif., Todd Brownfield of Sacramento and John and Beth Breslin of Brewerton, N.Y.
Special survivors include her very best and closest friend, Jessica Bohler; and the one she could always count on to bring a smile to her face, her beloved cat, Onyx.
Our beloved Kelly was born into this world on May 12, 1992.
She was passionate about ballet from the time she was 5 years old. Kelly danced at Queen City Ballet, where she made numerous lifelong friends. Kelly gave up dance to pursue her dream of being a Helena High cheerleader. She loved cheering for the Bengals and was happiest as a flyer for the squad. She also loved singing in Philharmonic Choir at HHS and was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Community.
Family meant everything to Kelly. She dearly loved her parents, her brother, Kevin (whom she called "my hero") and all her aunts, uncles and cousins. Kelly cherished time with her larger family.
Kelly also loved riding on the back of her dad's Harley and loved shopping with her mom.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Maurice and Lois Egan and James and Patricia O'Loughlin.
Kelly will be deeply missed for her loving heart, her amazing strength, her endearing sense of humor and her beautiful smile.
Kelly's final gift was that of life and sight through cornea and tissue donation.
Condolences may be posted online at www.mem.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kelly O'Loughlin
Pat Kelly
March 23, 2025
It is my Hope that Time just adds greater Love, Prayers, and Memories
for the O'Loughlin family.
Margy Kernan
April 27, 2023
A lovely tribute in today's paper. May her warmth and love continue to bless you, today, always, until you are together again, through Christ's eternal love.
Margaret Kernan
April 23, 2022
Thinking of you at this hard time. Kelly is not forgotten and I trust she is in God's eternal love and joy, and she continues to touch your lives with her spirit in Christ. May you be held in comfort and peace, today, always. Margy Kernan
Stipcich
May 7, 2008
Sorry about your loss. My little sister was friends with Kelly and she was a great, kind, and loveing girl with a big heart. I was glad that I got to meet her once! i hope all is well and you will be in my preyers!
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Meghan Peel
May 5, 2008
Gail, Carl, and Kevin,
I was so sorry to hear about Kelly. I couldn't believe it when I heard the news from my mom and Mary Jo. I will always remember Kelly as the cute little girl tagging along behind Kevin. You're in my thoughts.
Meghan
Richard Dumont
May 4, 2008
Carl, Gail and Kevin,
We are so sorry to hear about Kelly. Words alone can't express our sorrow. Our last memory of Kelly will be from Beth's wedding where she seemed so happy to be with her extended family. We will miss her smiling face and her effervescent personality. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Dick, Alison, Dayna, Vanessa and Tori Dumont
Renee Simons-Yanchura
May 3, 2008
Dear Gail, Carl and family,
God Bless you all during this very, very difficult time. Although I did not know your lovely, beautiful and talented daughter Kelly- the news of her tragic death greatly saddens our entire family. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Gordon and Chris Mundt
May 2, 2008
Carl, Gayle and Kevin,
We're so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your daughter, Kelly. I know there is nothing I can say that could possibly make it any easier for you. Only that our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
John and Janis Kiedrowski
May 2, 2008
Carl, Gail and Kevin,
We were heartsick to here about the tragic accident and the loss of your beautiful daughter. We cannot imagine the grief you are going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the community that she touched.
Jennifer Morgan
May 1, 2008
My family has never met Kelly. We wanted to let you know that our hearts go out to you during this time. We lost a family member a year ago and know the pain you are going through. Please keep all of those wonderful memories of her alive. She was a very special person. May god be with you and watch over you.
The Morgan Family
Lonnie & Robin Morgan
May 1, 2008
Gail and Carl and Family,
You're in our thoughts and prayers.May God Bless.
Mac, Carol, Erika, & Megan Vosbeck
May 1, 2008
Gail, Carl, & Kevin:
The Vosbeck family will miss Kelly so much. We are so glad that she was able to touch our lives via the friendship with our daughter Erika. They danced together, cheered together, and just grew up together. We will forever be touched by her and we mourn your loss with you. Your friends always.
Margy Kernan
April 30, 2008
Dear Carl, Gail and Kevin,
Kelly has been sunshine in our lives since we first came to know you, in the St. Mary's baptism preparation class when you were expecting her and I was expecting Erinleigh.
We watched her grow up, from the precious little girl to the beautiful and equally precious teenage girl. Week after week we have watched your loving family, and been blessed by the genuine warmth of her smile. We have been blessed by watching her rest her head on one of your shoulders, or slip her hand into yours, Carl. Just the week before the tragic accident, she was with you Gail, and you both gave loving chatter and smiles to our little grandson Avery, and our daughter Anna. That brief exchange was a forever gift, and so typical of the caring that Kelly always exuded. Like everyone, we are in shock, grasping at the unfathomable, the incomprehensible loss. But I know tonight, after being at the vigil, that Kelly's sunshine lives on. She has graced us, as you all do, and will continue to.
Our peace, our prayers, our love and steadfast faith are with you and will go forward.
Margy Kernan, Clif Caughron & Erinleigh
Milton Coty
April 30, 2008
Dear Carl & Gail:
We must thank God for the gift of Kelly. We should also thank the Lord for not giving us the Gift of Seeing into The Future. For it would be Too Great A Burden To Bare. Peace & God Bless.
Don and Kathy Bischoff
April 30, 2008
Carl, Gail and Kevin, We are devastated to hear of the loss of Kelly. We loved her enthusiasm for life and the cheerful manner in which we knew her. We can't imagine the void you must feel in your hearts. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the difficult days ahead.
Joe Marra
April 30, 2008
Carl, Gail & Kevin;
I can't even imagine the unspeakable grief you are feeling as a result of the sudden, tragic loss of your beloved Kelly. You & your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Meagan Schmidt
April 30, 2008
Kelly
you were an absolutely amazing young woman and the first person i met here in Helena. You were my first friend here and i miss you so much!!! Carl Gail and Kevin, i am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers...God Bless
The Tonkovich Family
April 30, 2008
Kelly's loving family,
We were not lucky enough to have known Kelly but her loss has touched our hearts. May all the wonderful memories of her help you through the days/months ahead. She will continue giving grace, peace and love to each and every one of you. Our prayers are with you....
Darla Hall
April 30, 2008
Dear Carl & Gail, Gerry and I are so sorry to hear about your lose. Know that we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Christine Ray
April 30, 2008
Dear Carl, Gail and Kevin,
We are all so sad and grieving with you. I have only shared moments of time with you over the years, but have wonderful snapshots in my mind of your family and the times together. I will remember Kelly always-as smiling, locked arms with Bridget, laughing and talking with cousins at Joe and Margy's Anniversary celebration. My heart is broken for all of you. Please know we love you, and are praying for you to have strength to endure.
Love,
Chris O'Loughlin Ray and family
Tom and Peggy Petrosky
April 29, 2008
Dear Gail and Carl
We are deeply saddened by your terrible loss. We send our sincere prayers to help you through this difficult time. God Bless you and your family, and grace you with strenth and peace.
Duncan Sinclair
April 29, 2008
Carl, Gail, Kevin,
We cannot imagine your grief, but please know our prayers are with you.
Duncan, Allison & Brandon, David
Dinah Lindberg Helgeson
April 29, 2008
Dear Gail, Carl and Kevin, When Mom called us in Bangkok this morning with the new of Kelly's death, she was as devastated as if Kelly was her own Grandchild. Know that we are all praying for you and you are in our hearts. Love, Dinah Lindberg Helgeson
gloria mitchell
April 29, 2008
Gail,
What can anyone say. I feel the kind of pain you are enduring now. I know that Greg was there to meet Kelly, and please do not think of them as gone away. Their journey has just begun, life holds so many facets-this earth is only one. We have to think of them as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days or even years. Think of Kelly as living on in the hearts of those she touched, especially in the donor recipients. Kelly's journey on her road of life ended far too soon but her fellow travelers will say with tender truthful hearts that a good girl passed this way.
Love and Prayers,
Cousin Gloria,
daughters Alexa and
Emeree
dorothy waggoner
April 29, 2008
Dear Carl, Gail and Kevin, we are all so saddened to hear of the loss of Kelly. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Our love to you all.
Dorothy and Bob Waggoner and family
Yvonne Pate
April 29, 2008
Dear O'Loughlin Family,
We are just so sorry for your great loss. Our thoughts and hearts grieve with you. We know your faith and memories will help you get through this terrible time.
Tex, Yvonne & Dan Pate
Doug, Melissa, Danni & Sydney Dandro
DEBBIE SCHRAMM
April 29, 2008
I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for the loss of your daughter, words can't say enough at this time, only know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope that through the hard times that love from family and friends can get you through this. You are in my thoughts and prayers. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Alex Coe
April 29, 2008
Kelly
You do not know how much everyone is going to miss you.. you were one of a kind.. i will always keep you in my heart
.. I <3 you
Tucker Walker
April 29, 2008
Dear Kelly and Family
Kelly I will miss you greatly and I will always remember the times that we had together throughout the years. You have a smile that can never be forgotten. Carl, Gail, and Kevin I am so very sorry, Kelly was a very special person and filled many lives with love and laughter. Love Tucker
John and Julie O'Loughlin
April 29, 2008
Carl, Gail, Kevin and all the Jim O'Loughlin's:
We are devasted by your loss and for the pain you are suffering. Kelly was such a sweet little girl (as we will always remember her!). God bless all of you.
Trish (and Kyle) Stoner (Klock)
April 29, 2008
Dear O'Loughlin Family,
I am truly heartbroken over the lose of Kelly. There are not enough words to ever express how truly sorry I am for the pain you are going through. Kelly was such an incredible girl with a heart of gold. She was a passionate, social, and spunky little thing who made my first year at Helena High a very special one. I am so glad I was able to meet and have in my life such a wonderful child. You are all in my heart and in Kyle's and my prayers!
Kathleen, Keith, Kory Broussard
April 29, 2008
Gail, Carl, and Kevin,
We are so sorry about Kelly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jill Lotter
April 29, 2008
Dear Carl & Gail,
Approximately fifteen years ago, the two of you, Leslie and Jim, and Chris and I were all hoping the "pregnant" phase would soon end. Our first, your second, and the third for our friends. I remember being at your home, watching Kevin, while you helped ease some of the anxiety I was feeling. All three were born within one month of each other. A joyful memory... May all your many, many memories, your faith, and countless prayers of others (more than you will ever know) be of some comfort at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family... My deepest Sympathy, Jill
Nikki Johnson
April 29, 2008
Carl, Gail and Kevin-
Words cannot express the extreme sympathy we feel for your family. Please know that our family will hold dear the many memories of Kelly and the gang growing up together as little giggling girls.... the sleepovers with Kelly always the last one to go to sleep, swim parties and somehow Kelly always kept her hair dry and styled, getting ready for dances Kelly always had the perfect jewels and shoes! These special moments of time are how we will always remember your precious daughter, Kelly. Please know we are thinking of you and call if you need anything.
Sincerely- Dean, Nikki, Deven and Layne
Lily Lyon
April 29, 2008
We lived across the street from the O'Loughlins for many years. I will always remember Kelly being a very sweet, gentle girl. My heart goes out to her family, and you will be in our prayers.
Marty, Nancy, Milo and Lily Lyon
Kelley Minard & April Boucher
April 29, 2008
kelly dear.
you will be deeply missed.
your always in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.
rest in peace sweetie pea.
Karen & Jerry Lundin
April 29, 2008
Gail, Carl, & Kevin,
We just want to convey our deepest sympathies to all of you over the loss of your beautiful daughter/sister. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time.
Nicole Sargent
April 29, 2008
Carl, Gail and Kevin,
My life was touched by such an amazing girl. Cheerleading was her thing and she loved and cherished it more than anything. I will miss her so so much. Carl and Gail, You two are the most wonderful parents. You were there for her whenever she needed you. I love you all and I am so sorry for your loss. You will continually be in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could be in Montana during this time for support. Just know that I am there in my heart.
Love forever,
Nicole Sargent
Kelly's first Cheer coach
Kevin Hudson
April 29, 2008
As a photographer I see beauty in a person's eyes and smile. As a human being I see beauty in a person's soul.
I saw it all in Kelly and I really didn't know her well. I can only imagine what beauty those who truly knew her saw.
My heart goes out to you.
Denny & Savannah Dumont
April 29, 2008
Carl, Gail, & Kevin -
Our hearts go out to you! The world has lost a ray of sunshine with the passing of Kelly. Stay strong ... Love to you all.
nicole hansen
April 29, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. we will all miss you!!!
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
Make a Donation
in Kelly O'Loughlin's name
Memorial Events
for Kelly O'Loughlin
People and places connected with Kelly
Recent Obituaries
How to support Kelly's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Kelly O'Loughlin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
