Kelsey Couch

1986 - 2021

Kelsey Couch
January 11, 1986 - October 15, 2021
Richland, Washington - Surrounded by all four of her parents, Kelsey Ann Couch of Richland, WA died early Friday, October 21st at Kadlec Hospital in Richland, WA.
Kelsey was born in Richland, WA on January 11, 1986 to Gregg and Cathy (Chappelle) Couch; she grew up in the Tri-Cities attending Westside Preschool, Tapteal Elementary and Hanford Middle/High School. She graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2008 with a degree in early childhood education and a minor in English.
Kelsey was a bright light who loved hard. In her early years, she dabbled with tap dancing, basketball and soccer. She loved Circus Club and playing in the Kid Calypso band; her true love was Bram Brata where she convinced her parents she was determined enough to continue playing that she committed to have built and own her own steel drum. These were to be the years that helped mold her self-confidence and self-esteem. In high school, Kelsey held several school leadership positions, worked for Chitty's Swimland, JC Penney's and was involved in many community activities.
Kelsey's energy came from helping people and as a result, she established a tremendous network of co-workers, new friends, and customers. Her involvement in the service industry fit that model very well and allowed her to use the leadership skills developed at an earlier age. Kelsey was also searching for a way to elevate the performance of the service crowd. She held a key role in developing training programs for restaurants while at the same time, improving efficiencies and processes. She and "Chef" took on the role of a startup restaurant in Seattle; much of their clientele were residents supporting a local hospital. This played directly into her empathetic leanings resulting in lifelong connections with customers and their families.
Kels operated best as part of a family-like team. Not surprising, because of her service background, she loved to cook and host "Friendsgivings" for those that could not be close to family during holidays. She wouldn't let anyone be "misplaced" – we could not possibly count the number of people who spent days or sometimes weeks sleeping on her couch because she couldn't stand for someone to not have a place to stay or a meal to eat.
A huge dream of Kelsey's was to become an event planner – a dream she realized a few years ago with the creation of Raelene Events. It was her hope to bring joy to families to celebrate special times in their life. Her time in Vancouver, WA brought new friendships and a new focus.
She enjoyed adventure trips that included biking in Ireland, hiking around Greece, a 100-mile hike along Highway 101, festivals in Montana – camping and enjoying the outdoors along the way. She went on many fishing trips with her dad and family including a memorable ten-day trip along the Nushagak River in Alaska.
Kelsey was always coming up with new ideas involving her melded family and friends. You had to stay sharp to keep up with her. There could never be an event in which she was involved with her complicated, melded family that she didn't have a finger in. Her fur babies were a huge part of her family and gave her great comfort. You could guarantee her temper would flair if you talked trash about her beloved Seahawks.
Kelsey is survived by her loving parents: Gregg & Debbie Couch and Doug & Cathy Adkisson; siblings Kristen Rider (Colby); Jennifer Hamilton (Jake); Ryan Walsh; Jason Walsh; Kelsey Adkisson (Patrick Mirick); Lindsey Adkisson (Michael Wienerman) and Hailey Adkisson (Derek Dizney); nieces and nephews Lucas, Cylee, Liam, Mats, Malin, Mabel, Juniper, Nolan and Wyatt along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Kelsey was a loving, caring, giving and complicated soul who a large, large number of people will truly miss.
Hey kid … we're always on your shoulder! Love and Light! Rest in peace sweet girl.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kelsey's name to an animal shelter of your choice. Services will be held Friday, October 22nd at Einan's at Sunset Gardens Event Center (915 Bypass Highway, Richland) at 5:00 pm; Reception following. The family invites you to sign their online guestbook at https://www.sunsetgardenstricities.com/einans-funeral-home/
Note: both the Service and Reception will be livestreamed for those unable to attend. https://www.sunsetgardenstricities.com/obituaries/