Kassie Hernandez-Willis

Kassie Hernandez Willis, 20, of Ogallala, passed away unexpectedly at her home on June 10, 2025.

Kassie was born on September 15, 2004, in Norfolk, Virginia, the daughter of Alvaro A. Hernandez, Liz Willis, and Fernando Macias. She graduated with the Ogallala High School Class of 2023.

Kassie worked at Front Street as a hostess, bartender, and server, where she had been a familiar and beloved face since 2020. She played a central role in bringing joy to themed events and children's parties and was known for her makeup artistry and skillful braiding. Kassie was generous with her time and talents-whether doing hair and nails for family, friends, or children preparing for prom, she offered her gifts freely and with love.

She was deeply loved by her large and close-knit family and always found herself at the heart of it. Kassie had a remarkable way of making others feel special-she never missed a birthday and always showed up with a card and a hug. She had very recently become engaged to Matthew Sandoval, and the two were very much looking forward to a life together.

Kassie had a kind and vibrant personality, a deep love for her family, and a special bond with her cousins. Despite struggling with a respiratory illness in recent years, she remained devoted to those around her, especially her work family at Front Street and her siblings.

Kassie was preceded in death by her great-grandfather, Tommy Collins; grandfather, Isidro Hernandez Juan; cousin, Bud Colburn; great-grandmother, Sylvia Colburn; great-grandfather, Dallas Willis; great-grandmother, Sarah Mathis; grandfather, Scotty Colburn; and beloved friend, Nathaniel Sandoval.

Left here on earth to carry her memory are her parents, Alvaro Hernandez, Liz Willis, and Fernando Macias.

She is also survived by her siblings: Isabell Hernandez Willis, Makenzie Handy, Matthew Hartley, Melany Hernandez, Isaiah Willis, William Hernandez, and Romeo Hernandez; grandparents, Regina and Adam Ross-Schmid and Imelda Avendaño Rodrigues; and her great-grandparents, Karen Willis and Vickie and Ray Schmid; aunts and uncles who held a special place in her life include Daniel and Jackie Smith, Alex Smith and Nancy Powell, Kathryn Ross-Schmid, Raynna and Donald Hammon, Philip Williams, and Jamie and Tony Colburn.

Kassie was also blessed with a circle of beloved best friends who stood by her like sisters-her rocks: Alayna Isbell, Jazzmarie Miranda, Morgan Lile, Salli Mack, Valerie Herrera, Morgan Handy, and Bella Holthusen.

And she leaves behind a whole gaggle of beloved cousins whom she loved like siblings.

A family-led memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. until sunset at Ogallala Beach, Lake McConaughy.

A memorial has been established in Kassie's memory for later designation. Online condolences may be shared at www.prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.