Kendra Vantuyl-Escalante

The world has lost a loving and giving soul. Kendra Lyn Vantuyl-Escalante passed away peacefully at her home in the early hours of July 14th, 2025. Kendra was born in Lawrence, KS on March 1st, 1995, to Kristen Vantuyl (Lawrence, KS) and Rick Sheley (St. George, Utah). She was the first grandchild of Barbara Vantuyl (Lawrence, KS) and the first great-grandchild of Evelyn Burk (deceased). She spent her early years under the same roof with three generations of women, making her the fourth generation. Kendra embraced one of her most cherished roles when she became a big sister, first in 2004, when Kristin and Martin Madorin (Cedar, KS) welcomed Kamdin Madorin (Los Angeles, CA), and again in 2007 with the birth of Makayla Madorin (Lawrence, KS). In 2013, she graduated from Lawrence High School and moved to St. George, Utah, to study nursing at Dixie State University with the support of her father Rick. She was an accomplished cello player earning a seat in the Dixie State Symphony Orchestra.

She moved back to Kansas and soon met her husband, Christopher Escalante. Christopher took her on their first date February 29th, 2020, on the eve of her birthday. The love and romance were instantaneous, they married July 14th, 2020. Kendra was a loving and devoted wife. Her hobbies included creating art projects, music, and making a life full of love with Christopher and her family. She was dedicated to her work as a CNA. She was an incredible caregiver and worked at Bella Terra in Utah, Pioneer Ridge in Lawrence, KS, and Brewster Place in Topeka, KS.

Chronic illness sadly plagued her final years. She fought valiantly until the very end. Her life, though far too short, will continue to inspire and comfort all who were blessed to know her.

Kendra is survived by her half siblings Andrea Philips, Craig Sheley, Chelsea Roth, Abigail Sheley, Kamdin Madorin, Makayla Madorin, and Kelby Sheley. She had two stepdaughters: Jocelyn and Lily Escalante. Surviving family also includes her great-uncles Randy and Scott (Kansas City, MO), her great-uncle Mike Vantuyl (Topeka, KS), her great-aunt Veda Vantuyl (Plano, TX), her aunt Janice Zishka (Liberty, MO) her uncle Danny Vantuyl (Lawrence, KS) and her cousins Cali, Jace, Tanner and Robbie. Surviving grandparents include Barbara Vantuyl as well as Edgar and Joan Marie Sheley of Corning, KS. She was preceded in death by her grandfather Daniel Vantuyl, her aunt Lori Vantuyl and her aunt Pam Aversano.

Rumsey-Yost will host a visitation Friday, August 1, 2025, 6:00-7:00 PM with the Memorial Service Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 10:30 AM.

Online condolences made at rumsey-yost.com