Kelly Lee Cantwell

Kelly Lee Cantwell, born August 28th, 1959, passed away at 66 years old on July 15th, 2026, peacefully in her home, surrounded by family in Upper Arlington, OH.

Kelly was a kind, outgoing, and selfless soul. A beloved and passionate daughter, mother, grandmother, and community member, she spent much of her life helping and advocating for people and animals alike.

She was an avid adventurer and a lover of nature, music, storytelling, and writing. Kelly lived and traveled all over the world, where she enjoyed all sorts of thrills, whether it be skydiving out of her cousin’s airplane, skiing from snowcapped mountain tops, navigating the Rockies on horseback, diving in the Caribbean, or surfing in the Pacific; Kelly always sought to experience the most life had to offer.

Kelly danced through life, maintaining happiness and fitness with her beloved CrossFit Grandview community no matter what came her way.

Kelly was a passionate entrepreneur; she tirelessly worked and prided herself on finding homes for people in communities where they could thrive and grow their families.

From her first day to her last day, Kelly Cantwell knew no strangers, was always there as a family member or friend when you needed her, and she will be missed dearly by her surviving family members and friends: parents Klaus and Jeanne Gauer, husband Greg Cantwell, children Wes (Kelley Appleton), Jim, Jeanne, brother Phil (Janet) Gauer, dogs Jax and Bodhi, and her “little wonders” (grandchildren) Wayde & Wynona Cantwell.

For those who would like to share a memory of Kelly and pay their respects, please join us for an open house-style celebration of life at the Lashutka Event Center, 3479 Riverside Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43221, on Friday July 31st, 2026 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to stop by at any time during the gathering, enjoy the beauty of the river, and consider taking a walk along the water, something Kelly loved to do. Please dress comfortably, and feel free to wear bright colors as we come together to celebrate Kelly and the vibrant life she lived.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kelly’s memory to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD): https://www.theaftd.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/

Lashutka Event Center | Columbus Recreation and Parks Department