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Jennifer Marie Durbin, Age: 49

Jan 05, 1971 - Sep 10, 2020

Jennifer Marie Ely Durbin, Kansas City, Missouri, departed this life into the loving hands of our Father on September 10, 2020 surrounded by her loving family.  She was 49.  Jennifer was born on January 5, 1971 at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.  The daughter of Linda M. Kelly and step-father Michael W. Kelly, and the late Phillip A. Ely.  

 

Jennifer graduated from Olathe North High School in 1989 where she played on the tennis team. She attended Johnson County Community College then Kansas State University where she earned a degree in Business Administration in1993.   She was employed by Capitol Federal Bank starting at the age of 20 and worked there for 29 years.  Her colleagues at Cap Fed were like a second family to her.

 

Jennifer enjoyed being with her family and friends and taking trips with her two children.  She loved anything K-state and supported her team through the years.  She was an avid Chiefs and Royals fan.  Jen loved shopping with friends, doing home decor projects, and volunteering at KC Pet Project.  She had a tender heart for all dogs.   Jen was kind to everyone and was known as a friend to all.   Selfless, kind, gentle, caring, and extraordinary are a few words that would describe this amazing woman with a big heart and warm smile.

 

Jennifer leaves behind her two children, daughter Bailey Kate Durbin, 23, and son Phillip Austin Durbin, 20.  In addition to her mother and step-father, she is also survived by sister Stephanie A. Havertape and nephew, Sam Havertape, half-brother, Matt Ely and half-sister, Logan Anderson, step sisters, Shawn Hagan, Erin Baska, and step-brother, Dan Kelly and by many aunts, uncles, cousins, family, and friends. 

 

The family invites you to the funeral mass which will be held on Saturday, September 19th at 1:00pm at Holy Family Church--919 NE 96th Street KC, MO 64155.  Due to COVID restrictions, masks are required.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

 

In lieu of flowers, Jen has requested donations be made to Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary in Hermitage, MO.  Donations can be mailed to Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary 22051 Old 64 Highway Hermitage, MO 65668.  Donations can also be made through PayPal at Paypal.me/whisperingwillowssds
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Services

Additional Service: Funeral Mass
Location: Holy Family Catholic Church
Address: 919 NE 96th Street
City: Kansas City
State: Missouri
Zip Code: 64155
Date of Service: Sep 19, 2020
Time of Service: 01:00 PM
Additional Information: No Additional Information Added
Google Map: Click Here to see Location on Map

Condolences

Mechelle Hulse Sep 14, 2020

Friend/Coworker ,Parkville ,Missouri

Just a few words that describe Jennifer: A kind soul with a beautiful smile and warm heart!! Jennifer was helpful and kind for everyone that encountered her presence. Jennifer, you’ll truly will be missed by so many people at Dillard’s. I’m so happy I got to know you! Sending love, prayers and my condolences to your family.

Joyce Coker-Dreier Sep 14, 2020

Family friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

The Coker kids grew up with the Elys right next door, and Jennifer and the Ely/Kelly family feel like part of us. Jennifer was a happy, grounded, kind, and gentle soul. My heart breaks for her family. I love them all. What a blessing Jen was to those around her...as a mother, daughter, sister, friend, and tiny blond next-door neighbor. I hope her family feels thousands of prayers lifting them up in this time of tremendous sorrow.

Bob & Judy Barackman Sep 14, 2020

Friends ,Leawood ,Kansas

Jennifer was a bright light, a warm, sweet child of God. She will look over her family from her new home in heaven. God bless all of you.

Sheila Brown Sep 14, 2020

Friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

I am deeply sorry for the Bailey and Austin for the loss of their mother, Jen's family and the world's loss of Jennifer. She was such a kind and generous lady. She's a true friend. Anuone who hasn't had the opportunity to know this sweet, gentle person have no idea what they've missed out on. The friendships that she forged were lofe long, regardless of time missed. She wan't an out of sight, out of mind kind of person. If you were her friend, it was for life. I wish we had gotten together before she got sick. I'll miss her as long as I am here on earth, but I know that this isn't the end. We will see her and laugh with her again.

Jackie and Don Pellow Sep 14, 2020

Friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

Dearest Linda, Mike and family, This beautiful soul shared the same loving kindness as her mother, and will be greatly missed. Her light will now shine brightly with our Heavenly Father, as her spirit gently guides her children and loved ones in the years ahead. We love you Linda and Mike, and hold you in our prayers, Jackie and Don

Barbara Carter Sep 15, 2020

Family Friend ,Charlotte ,North Carolina

Dear Linda & Mike, From the moment I learned of Jennifer's death, you, Bailey, Austin, Stephanie as well as your entire family have been in my thoughts and prayers. Please know that your pain touches both Ashley and me, and we mourn your loss as if it were our own. Although the transitioning of someone we love is never easy, when we believe that death is the way to life eternal, we are better able to embrace the transition and the thread of our human bonds will always keep some part of Jennifer with you. May the infinite well of God's Grace, Love and Mercy sustain you as you find your way through the death experience and may knowing that others care be an added source of comfort. With Love and Praying You Enough....... Barbara

Lee Ballantini Sep 15, 2020

Friend ,Riverside ,Missouri

For many years I would park my car at Cap Fed and enter the lobby to do my banking with my friend, Jennifer. It may have been more simple to go through the drive through, but I enjoyed visiting with Jennifer and sharing stories of our families, and our love for the Chiefs. Upon learning of her illness, I prayed she would get well, and was so sad to hear today that she had recently passed. While my heart is heavy, I understood her faith and know she now abides with our Heavenly Father. May He wrap his loving arms around her children, family, and friends, and give you all peace. I will miss dear Jennifer greatly, and will likely be using the drive through more often, or at least for awhile. With my heartfelt condolences, Lee Ballantini

Jill Wall Sep 17, 2020

Cap Fed friend and co-worker ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

Jennifer is with our loving Father now but will live in our hearts forever. She was the shining light in our lives at Capitol Federal. Always with a smile and kind word. And her smile and laugh was contagious. She was a devoted Mother, daughter, sister and friend. So very special. We are so blessed to have had her in our lives and are better people from knowing her. My prayers are with Bailey, Austin, Stephanie, Linda and Mike. I am sure Jennifer has a front row seat in heaven. Rest in peace, sweet girl.

anthony Lowell Higgins Sep 18, 2020

So sorry to hear about it

Rod Martin Sep 18, 2020

Co-worker ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Jennifer was such a special person to run into at CapFed. Always asking about my family and telling me about hers. And the funny stories seemed to never stop! She made me laugh. God bless you and keep you Jennifer. And to Bailey and Austin and family; I'm so sorry.