Kenneth Lee Heatherly's Obituary
The charismatic, fun-loving, hazel-eyed man, with a huge heart full of love for his friends, family, and especially his daughters. Kenneth Lee Heatherly, age 54, of Whitmore Lake, Michigan, and formerly of Bellbrook, Ohio, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025, at the University of Michigan Hospital, and hearts broke.
Kenneth was born July 24, 1971, in Kettering, Ohio, to Paul and Sharon Heatherly. After graduating, he attended trade schools and, as a young adult, moved to Michigan. After a brief return to Ohio, he eventually found his way to Michigan, drawn there by his love for his girls.
Ken was well known as a superb general contractor in the custom home-building and remodeling industry. Crafting his trade into a successful career, Kenneth proudly owned and operated KLH Contracting in Hamburg Township, Michigan, a company he founded after decades honing his craft and perfecting his skills. His reputation preceded him as someone you could always count on for honesty, reliability, and excellent craftsmanship, all of which is clearly reflected in the success of his business and his stellar reputation.
With that charismatic personality, Ken was social, outgoing, and oh-so friendly, always willing to help others. He loved spending time with friends and was always looking forward to a good time wherever life took him. He especially enjoyed his time at the Pink Shell Resort in Fort Myers, Florida, where he vacationed with his girls every year, visited with friends, played golf, rented boats & jet skis, and created countless memories.
Ken lived a very active life and loved anything that involved skiing, golfing, or boating. After spending his youth snow skiing with friends and brothers at the Sugarcreek Ski Hills, along with visiting numerous ski resorts out west and along the east coast, Ken spent much of his adult life at Mt. Brighton in Michigan and Holiday Valley Ski Resort in New York, which were the most common places for them to travel. In addition, he made cherished memories with his daughters during ski trips to Heavenly Valley on the Nevada/California border, complete with awe-inspiring views of Lake Tahoe. Getting in those last good runs on the slopes before the sun set was one of his happiest, most-loved adventures.
Although he loved skiing, boating, and fun, Ken’s greatest loves and source of pride in life were his daughters, Hannah and Kendall, who meant everything to him. They will carry the deep love he had for them, and they for him, always.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Sharon Heatherly, and his half-brother, Steve McDonald. He is survived by his three daughters, the loves of his life, Hannah Heatherly, Kendall Heatherly, and Haylie Stites; his cherished brother, Doug Heatherly; his niece, Drew Heatherly; his nephew, Quinten Heatherly; his half-sister, Tonia Jackson; and the mother of his two daughters, Staci Tee.
Ken made Michigan his home to be close to his girls, but in honor of his roots and his family heritage, he will be returned to Ohio to be laid to rest near loved ones. He will be remembered by all who knew him in both states for his big heart, strong work ethic, generosity, humor, and the deep love he had for his family and friends.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM on Friday, January 16, at Crossview Christian Church in Waynesville. Immediately following the visitation, a celebration of life service will begin at 1:30 pm on Friday at the church, with Celebrant Brian Bennett officiating.
Immediately following the services at the church, the family invites all who are willing and able to join them on a trip down memory lane during the procession to the cemetery. The route will pass by the family residence on Ferry Road, through Ken’s hometown of Bellbrook, and on to Bellbrook Cemetery for a short committal service and burial of the urn. Prior to burial, guests will be invited to leave their unique fingerprint on the urn, creating a lasting remembrance in honor of their connection to Ken.
Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed at https://www.connerandkoch.com.
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