Kelly Leann Burkholder, 65, of Sedalia, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at her home. She was born on May 20, 1961, in Belton, Missouri, the daughter of D. Wayne Mucke and Jo Anne (Job) Mucke, who preceded her in death.

On June 7, 1986, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Sedalia, Missouri, she was united in marriage to her sweetheart, Kent A. Burkholder, beginning a marriage that lasted more than forty years.

She was a proud graduate of Smith-Cotton High School Class of 1979. She went on to earn her undergraduate degree in Elementary and Special Education from Missouri State University in 1983 and her master's from the University of Central Missouri.

Teaching was Kelly's calling for 31 years. She began her career in Smithton and spent most of it at Sedalia Middle School, much of that time teaching sixth grade math. She retired in 2015, then continued her passion for students by giving her time as a mentor at Heber Hunt Elementary.

Above all, Kelly was the center of her home. A talented cook and baker who believed food was love and meant to be shared. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother to her children. She carried her faith throughout her life, supporting Sacred Heart Catholic Church and later First Christian Church. She served her community by delivering meals to the Sedalia Senior Center. Kelly enjoyed a good game of cards or mahjong, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and Missouri Tigers, and going to the lake with her family and making memories.

In addition to her husband, Kent, Kelly is survived by two children, Ali Burkholder of Sedalia, Missouri and Jacob Burkholder of Columbia, Missouri; two sisters, Krista Kempton and her husband Mark of Sedalia and Karla Hall and her husband Steve of Parkville, Missouri; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

In addition to her parents, Kelly was preceded in death by a brother, Kevin Mucke.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at First Christian Church with Dr. Chad McMullin officiating.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Entombment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Sedalia, MO.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church or to the Bothwell Canon Center for Cancer in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.