Kathi Lynne Gensler

“On August 24th, 2023 Kathi Lynn Gensler departed from this life to begin her final chapter in paradise. We know she is finally at peace and in God’s loving arms in the next life. She is survived by her husband, Dale, son, Jordan, grandson, Britton, granddaughter, Caroline, and sisters, Wendi, Julie, and Christi.

Kathi was always proud of her roots and her family while growing up. She was born in Dayton, Ohio on February 16th, 1963 to parents, Jim and Joan Keltner. Kathi could often be found putting on plays and playing dress up with her 4 sisters Wendi, Julie, Christi and Melanie. “The Lovely, Lively Keltner sisters“ they would sing and dance at their home in Florida and eventually starred in beauty pageants and singing competitions as they grew older. A proud moment for Kathi was at Deland High School when she voted homecoming queen; she rode in the parade and waved to her classmates with the heart of a celebrity. Always the life of the party, she and her friends were always up for some fun. During Spring Break of 1980 in St. Augustine, Florida she introduced herself to Dale and fell in love right there on the beach. A year later, after falling in love, they got married on August 21st, 1981 in Toledo, Ohio, where they eventually had their first born, Jordan.

As they grew their family, they also continued their love for travel. Kathi nurtured that passion for travel into a career as a travel agent. She was an adventurer; always on a cruise boat or traveling to another country to see the world. She loved the culture and people and soaked up so many fun memories over the years with her family and friends. Kathi had a deep love for community and people. She loved to have fun and had a joy for life and spreading the good word of her God whenever she had the opportunity. Kathi was a mother of one, but an adopted mother to so many as she was heavily involved in her church and the youth. A kind, feisty and vivacious soul Kathi always endeavored to find an opportunity to do for others. Kathi encouraged others and made her home a safe haven for her friends and family. If you needed a hug to feel comforted or an ear to listen, she was there anytime you needed her.

Kathi ignited color and glimmer into every facet of her life. It was “Go big or go home” with her. Kathi’s house always lit up with color (especially purple) and she loved to cook, so her house always smelled like a small town French bakery.

Wanting nothing more than to be a grandmother, Kathi got her wish and was blessed with two grandchildren, Britton James Gensler and Caroline Louisa Gensler. And in true grandmotherly fashion, she spoiled and did for them as much as she could, always making them giggle and laugh. They were so loved by her.

Kathi was a fighter to the very end when it came to her friends, family and eventually her health. On August 17th, 2020 during the height of Covid, her new challenge, among all the rest, was now breast cancer. Knowing it was no small task to defeat, she met this challenge head on, eventually becoming cancer free and cleared a year later.

We will celebrate the life of this extraordinary lady on Thursday, September 7th, 2023 at 11 AM at Keystone Baptist Church, 3303 Dallas Acworth Hwy NW, Acworth, GA 30101. with Jared Jones officiating.

Kathi enjoyed standing out, and even at church where she was always seated towards the front dressed in vibrant colors with her arms always raised. She would deeply appreciate our celebration of her life, so we encourage everyone to wear a little purple to remember and honor Kathi.

Instead of flowers we set up a memorial page on behalf of Kathi in her honor.”

Donations can be made to Susan G. Komen link : https://secure.info-komen.org/site/TR/DIYFundraising/ONE-SEC?team_id=477534&pg=team&fr_id=9960

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