Family bidding farewell to wreck victim

At least they can say goodbye.

Kellie Kiefer’s sister finds comfort knowing the family will have some sort of closure when they celebrate Kiefer’s life today in Ottawa. That’s better than what might have been — never knowing what happened after Kiefer, 45, and a companion, Chris Arey, left for a motorcycle ride July 6.

Details about the wreck have been trickling in since searchers found the motorcyclists’ bodies Saturday in a wooded area at Swope Park, Kansas City. Police Sgt. Jim Fuller said earlier this week it appeared the motorcycle hit several trees and came to rest about 60 feet from where it left the roadway. The bodies were found nearby. It appeared the motorcycle had been going too fast around a curve, Fuller said.

Katherine Cumberland, Kiefer’s sister, said Kiefer left for a date with Arey Sunday, July 6. Kiefer’s daughter, Hannah Harrah, 15, was spending a couple of nights with friends.

Hannah apparently reported Kiefer missing the following Tuesday, July 8, Cumberland said. Cumberland, who lives in North Carolina but grew up in Franklin County, said she learned her sister was missing Thursday, July 10.

“I knew she was dead,” Cumberland said. “There’s no way she would leave Hannah like that.”

Cumberland said the family worried they would never find out what happened — how Kiefer died or what kinds of horrors might have befallen her.

“We could have gone years without knowing,” she said. “We’re so grateful they found her.”

Cumberland said she appreciates the work done by firefighters who searched the woods, police and emergency response personnel who worked on the case.

Kiefer was cremated and a celebration of her life is planned for 6 p.m. today at 2171 Eisenhower Road. Kiefer lived at Greenwood, Mo., but formerly lived in Pomona and has many relatives in the area.

It had been a difficult year for Kelli Kiefer and her family.

About a year ago, Kiefer lost her father to a heart attack. Just a couple weeks later, her husband, Michael Kiefer, was killed July 15, 2007, when his truck lost control on a flood-damaged road near Pomona. The couple had been together about seven years, and Kellie Kiefer was devestated, her sister said.

“She was a nervous wreck,” Cumberland said. “It was such a shock.”

A couple months after Michael Kiefer’s death, Kellie Kiefer and Hannah moved to Missouri, where Hannah previously lived and had friends.

Kiefer was attending school to become a massage therapist, her sister said. Cumberland didn’t know how long she had been dating Arey.

Her sister was a hard worker who had a huge smile and a big belly laugh, Cumberland said.

“She liked to help people, almost to the point where it depleted her energy,” Cumberland said.

Kiefer also leaves behind a son, Branden Walker, 24. After the memorial services, Hannah is expected to move to Montana to live with her father, Cumberland said.

Memorial contributions can be made in the children’s names to Billie Eads, 701 S. Poplar St., apt. 507, Ottawa KS 66067.

Hannah also requested memorial contributions be made in her mother’s name to the American Red Cross because her mother was impressed with how the Red Cross responded during Hurricane Katrina, or to Cub Scout Pack No. 3118, for which Michael Kiefer was a troop leader.