Kelly Spencer passed away suddenly July 3, 2026. She was born Aug. 12, 1979, at Riverview Hospital in Red Bank to Colleen McKittrick Spencer (now Colleen Roth) and Richard Spencer. Kelly spent her childhood in Union Beach, where she attended Memorial School. At an early age, she discovered a passion for dance, enrolling in dance school in Red Bank. There, she developed her performance skills. She later attended Red Bank Regional High School, where she continued to excel in the performing arts, appearing in numerous stage productions through both the school and her dance studio, in ensemble pieces as well as featured solo roles.
Following high school, Kelly attended Montclair State University. She carried her love of dance throughout her life, sharing her talent and enthusiasm as a dance and aerobics instructor, choreographer and Vixen instructor at DFitness Studio. She inspired countless students with her energy, creativity and passion.
Professionally, Kelly was a valued property manager at SAGE 1 Property Management in Deal, where she managed numerous condominium associations and commercial properties throughout Monmouth County. She was respected for her professionalism, dedication and genuine care for the communities she served. Kelly was a trusted colleague and will be deeply missed by her employers, Bill and Kim Mosey, as well as the many residents, board members, vendors and coworkers whose lives she touched.
Throughout her life, Kelly had a vivacious, magnetic personality filled with joy and friendliness. She was the life of any room she entered. She was quick-witted, often peppered with her personal brand of hysterically inappropriate humor – quick to laugh and take a joke, quick to offer a hug or do a funny performance while telling a story. She was legendarily adept at having almost an entire conversation in movie quotes and would often get up to act out a specifically hysterical story.
A believing Christian, Kelly approached life with boundless enthusiasm and optimism. She embraced every new adventure with excitement and looked toward the future with hope and joy. Her personality and natural charisma were magnetic, and she made many dear, close, long-lasting friendships so easily.
Kelly was outwardly beautiful, but her inner beauty and personality were what made her the person she was and drew people to her. She had an infectious smile and endearing laugh and was a great and true friend because she shared of herself and invested herself in others, offering them encouragement, her unique humor and her positivity.
Above all, Kelly cherished her family. She was a devoted daughter to her father, Richard Spencer, and her mother, Colleen Roth, and was blessed to have her stepfather, Mark Roth, become a second father to her during the last 13 years of her life. She was a steadfast sister to Bill Spencer and Robert Spencer, and a loving sister-in-law to Robyn Spencer. Kelly absolutely adored and was so close to her niece, Mikayla Spencer, and her nephew, Ryan Spencer, showering them with love, laughter, encouragement and unforgettable memories.
Kelly was also deeply influenced by her late maternal great-grandparents, James D. McKittrick and Florence Biggin McKittrick, and grandparents James R. McKittrick and Marilyn E. Lowell, all of whom played an active role in her upbringing and cherished the opportunity to share in her life nearly every day. Her late paternal grandparents, Frank Spencer and Dorothy “Dot” Campbell Spencer, were also supportive of Kelly’s dreams and surrounded her with unconditional love.
Kelly also leaves behind her beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members and treasured friends.
Kelly’s life overflowed with love, laughter and meaningful relationships. Her passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Losing her so young and so tragically is a sorrow beyond words.
Visitation was July 13 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A funeral service was held July 14 at Christ Episcopal Church, Shrewsbury. Burial was private.
The article originally appeared in the July 23 – 29, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
