Kayleigh Dawn Marie Ellison

Kayleigh Dawn Marie Ellison, 34, of Troy, MO, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025. She is the beloved daughter of Les & Sonya Ellison, of Troy. Kayleigh came into this world with a fiery, fighting spirit and went to heaven the very same way. She is survived by her parents, her siblings: Grant Ellison and his wife Chelsea Ellison (the sister she always wanted) of Wentzville; her grandparents: Susie Heutel of Troy and Ron and Kay Brown of Troy; Aunt Tina Roach and husband Hal of Bowling Green; Uncle Tom Roberts and wife Bethany of Troy; many cousins, and especially her cherished niece and nephew: Sloane Marie Ellison and Howard Parker Ellison. Her first surgery left her paralyzed on her right side and she lost her speech. She regained those quickly and returned to New Jersey to finish her degree at Seton Hall University to study International Relations and Foreign Diplomacy, as she wanted to cause change in the world arena. Shortly before her first surgery, she followed her heart and pursued becoming a nun with Mother Teresa's order. However, her health would not allow it, so she chose to move forward with her original degree and dedicate her life to service in other ways. She passionately moved forward to do mission work in earthquake-ravaged Haiti, Hospice and orphanage work in El Salvador, where she mastered her Spanish speaking ability. She also championed for the homeless and underfed communities in New Jersey. Philadelphia afforded her the chance to work with the homeless and chronically drug addicted population. Habitat for Humanity in Lincoln County filled that void when she came back home. After graduation, she chose to move to Boston and complete a law degree at the University of Massachusetts. While struggling through her first year of law school, she accidentally showed up to UMass soccer tryouts and made the team! This was quite a shock as she had already had brain surgery, was 26 years old and was cut from her high school varsity soccer team. She fought her brain cancer with extreme grace and courage for the entire 14 years. During the last few months of her life down here, she lost much of her ability to speak and apply her natural wit to causes; however, her voice was heard loud and clear thru this great community and with the love of friends and family. Please know that Kayleigh loved her communities, and she is now in heaven with a perfect body and no more pain or suffering. Family and friends will be received from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, December 5, 2025 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church located at 100 Thompson Drive Troy, MO 63379. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Troy, MO. Officiating the mass will be Father Eddie Voltz. Interment will be held at the St. Alphonsus Cemetery in Millwood, MO. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to The Key, in care of Kemper-Keim Family Funeral Chapel P.O. Box 222, Troy, MO 63379. Arrangements are under the direction of Kemper-Keim Family Funeral Chapel; 351 Monroe Street Troy, MO 63379. Online condolences may be made at www.kemperkeimfamilyfuneralchapel.com Phone 636-528-8221

Kayleigh Dawn Marie Ellison

August 14, 1991 - November 27, 2025