Gilda Jo "Kelly" Grieshaber

Gilda Jo "Kelly" Grieshaber, 68, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025. Gilda was born on September 24, 1957, in Kansas City, Missouri, and was lovingly adopted by Gilbert Joseph and Myrtle Kathleen (Jones) Grieshaber of St. Joseph, Missouri. She was raised in St. Joseph alongside her six siblings and graduated from Bishop LeBlond High School, Class of 1976. To say Gilda was driven and hardworking would be an understatement. From a young age, she was determined to make her own way-starting with her first job at Dapper Dan's Pizza, a step she took to work outside of her family's television shop. This early start marked the beginning of a lifelong career in the food service industry. Over more than four decades, Gilda climbed the ranks from team member to coach, corporate management, and eventually district office manager. Even after retirement, her love of animals led her to a new joy-working as a dog sitter. Gilda is survived by her partner of 20 years, Kay Turner-Hansen; her daughter, Riley Kathleen Meyer; and her siblings: Phillip Grieshaber, Mark (Sondra) Grieshaber, Faye Palmer, Glenn (Sara) Grieshaber, Scott (Kathy) Grieshaber, and Ellen Christopher. She was also the heart of her extended family. As "Aunt Gilda," she helped raise generations of nieces and nephews-never missing a school event, sporting game, or opportunity to celebrate their lives. A passionate Kansas City Chiefs fan, she cheered loudly at games and shared that same enthusiasm with her family. She organized trips, hosted sleepovers, and brought joy to every family gathering. At Christmas, she made sure every single person received a gift, no matter how big the crowd. Her love was generous, joyful, and unwavering-she gave without hesitation, always putting others before herself. To be loved by Gilda was to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. She will also be dearly missed by her nieces: Theresa Loubey, Janice Armstrong, Angie Palmer, Kayla Grieshaber, and Cheyenne Christopher; her nephews: Phil (Shayna) Grieshaber Jr., Mark Grieshaber Jr., Tony Pore, Tommy Palmer, Aaron Palmer, Greg Allen Grieshaber, Brandon Grieshaber, Cody Roy, and Dillyn Christopher; along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her nephews: Jeremy Grieshaber and Jason McCoy. A Rosary will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 5:30 PM, followed by visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Heaton-Bowman-Smith-Sidenfaden Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Mount Olivet Cemetery (Horigan Chapel), with interment to follow. Fr. Garrett King will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to NF Strong of Kansas City (https://www.nfnetwork.org/contribute/contribute-online/).