With hearts forever changed, we announce the passing of Kelly Lynn Henry (née Hughson), age 65, on December 18, 2025. The heart of her family, she filled every gathering with warmth, an infectious laugh, and unconditional love, creating a lifetime of wonderful memories that her family will carry with them always.

She was born August 20, 1960, in Milwaukee, WI, the youngest child of Willis (Jack) and Sandra (née Burley) Hughson. Kelly grew up in Menomonee Falls, WI and graduated from Menomonee Falls East High School in 1978. She went on to attend Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, where she studied to become a court reporter. While attending Gateway, she met the love of her life, William (Bill) Henry, on Halloween night 1979, and they were married two years later, also on Halloween.

Upon graduation in 1980, Kelly began her career as a court reporter with West Court Reporting Service in Milwaukee before joining Walworth County Reporting Service. In 1983, she opened Henry Court Reporting Service with an office in Elkhorn, where she built a respected business that she proudly owned and operated for more than 30 years. Throughout her career, Kelly’s work brought her countless fascinating – and occasionally unforgettable – experiences as she reported on a wide variety of legal proceedings and depositions. She also served as the official court reporter for Judge Linda Van De Water in Waukesha County and worked as a per diem reporter at the Milwaukee County Courthouse while continuing her freelance practice. After a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, Kelly retired in 2018.

Kelly embraced life with curiosity, grace, and an unmistakable sense of timeless style. An avid golfer and devoted dog lover, she found joy both on the course and in the unwavering companionship of her beloved terriers. Golf became a treasured family tradition, and some of her happiest days were spent on the course alongside her husband and son. Especially courses surrounded by palm trees and sunshine. She had a refined appreciation for exceptional wine, art, and interior design – passions she shared with her daughter through afternoons of cultural festivals, restaurants and wineries, and countless conversations that will be forever cherished. A phenomenal cook and gracious host, Kelly had a remarkable gift for bringing people together, where every detail was thoughtfully prepared and every guest was made to feel welcome. Elegant, polished, and endlessly knowledgeable, she lived with intention, sophistication, and generosity, leaving an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Above all else, she treasured her family. She was a devoted wife to Bill, a loving mother to Elizabeth and Chad, and an adoring grandmother whose greatest joy was found in the moments spent with those she loved most. Her family was the center of her world, and she poured her heart into every season of their lives. She was their loudest cheerleader and steadfast supporter, rarely missing a dance recital, school play, basketball game, or golf tournament. No matter the occasion, they could always count on seeing her in the crowd, celebrating every milestone – big or small – with unwavering pride. More than anything, Kelly was her family’s safe place. She was the first person they would call in times of celebration, the steady hand through life’s challenges, and the comforting presence who showed up without hesitation, offering unconditional love and wisdom.

Kelly was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Sandy Hughson, and her beloved eight-day-old granddaughter Romilie Scarlett Wiest, whom she is now lovingly holding in Heaven. She is survived by her devoted husband of 44 years, Bill Henry of Lake Geneva, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and unwavering partnership. Kelly is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Elizabeth (Troy) Wiest of Sun Prairie, and her son, Chad (Kelly) Henry of Randall. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Eliette and Romilie Wiest, and Hudson and Haddie Jane Henry, and was overjoyed to know that her newest grandson, Fitzgerald Wiest, was on the way. Though she never had the opportunity to hold him in her arms, she carried him in her heart from the moment she learned of this sweet, rainbow baby.

Other surviving family members are her brothers Mark (Cathy) Hughson of Cambridge, WI and Jeff (Karen) Hughson of Poway, CA, as well as her sister-in-law Jane Henry of Lake Geneva. Kelly leaves behind three nephews and a niece, along with four great-nephews and two great-nieces. She also leaves behind numerous cousins, dear friends, and countless others whose lives were enriched by knowing her. Her grand puppies adored her and continue to look for signs of “Grandma.”

Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, Kelly’s love, strength, and unwavering devotion will continue to live on through the family she cherished so deeply. Her memory will be carried forward in every story shared, every tradition continued, and every life she touched. She will be loved, remembered, and profoundly missed – always.

Kelly’s family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the exceptional physicians, nurses, and staff of the UW University Hospital, the Carbone Cancer Center, the UW East Rehab Center in Madison, and Christine Weerts at Aurora. Their expertise, compassionate care, and unwavering support throughout Kelly’s courageous battle with glioblastoma brought comfort during an incredibly difficult time. They are also profoundly grateful to Christine Mickelson at Cress Funeral & Cremation Services for her extraordinary care and kindness. Christine’s thoughtful work captures the beauty of Kelly’s spirit, creating something her family will cherish for years to come.

A celebration of Kelly’s life will be held on what would have been her 66th birthday, Thursday, August 20, 2026, at The Riviera (812 Wrigley Drive) in Lake Geneva. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM and a luncheon at 1:00 PM. Following the luncheon, family and friends are warmly invited to continue celebrating Kelly’s life at one of her favorite places, The Bottle Shop (717 W. Main Street), where we will gather to share stories, laughter, and raise a glass in her honor. Complimentary shuttle service will be available throughout the day, beginning at 10:30 AM between the playground parking area behind Eastview Elementary (535 Sage Street), The Riviera, and The Bottle Shop.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Kelly’s honor may be made to the UW Foundation Neuro-Oncology Research and Clinical Care Fund or to the Dey Lab, led by Dr. Mahua Dey at the University School of Medicine and Public Health, whose translational brain tumor immunology research focuses on developing a personalized therapeutic vaccine to stop glioblastoma recurrence.

Neuro-Oncology Research and Clinical Care Fund:

http://supportuw.org/giveto/neuro-oncology

Dey Lab Mailing Address:

600 Highland Avenue CSC K3/803

Madison WI 53792

Cress Funeral Service

Sun Prairie, WI 

608-837-9054