Kinley J. Thompson, 12, of Northwood, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Visitation will be held Sunday, September 27, from 2 to 5 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Northwood. A funeral service will be held Monday, September 28, at 10 a.m. at the church, followed by burial at Sunset Rest Cemetery.
Kinley was a sixth-grade student at Northwood-Kensett whose fight against leukemia touched classmates, teachers, athletes and families throughout the community.
During the months she underwent treatment, Kinley remained connected with her classmates, including through FaceTime when she could not be at school. Her classmates and others in the Northwood-Kensett school community found their own ways to let her know she was never fighting alone.
Northwood-Kensett Elementary students dedicated their annual Winter Olympics fundraising effort to Kinley and her family, raising money intended to help with meals and other expenses during the family’s trips and long days associated with treatment.
A particularly special moment came when Kinley was able to return to school for a visit in January. Northwood-Kensett student Landon Nelson organized members of the high school girls and boys basketball teams to sign a basketball for her. The players presented it to Kinley as a simple but powerful reminder that an entire community was cheering her on.
Kinley had also been active in her community before her illness. She participated in youth cheerleading and was the daughter of Matt and Ashley Thompson, longtime Northwood residents who have been active in the community through Child Time Daycare Center.
Her life, although far too brief, brought together classmates, teachers, athletes, neighbors and friends in displays of kindness and compassion that will remain part of Kinley’s legacy in Northwood.
Family and friends may read Kinley’s full obituary and share memories through Conner Colonial Chapel.
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