48, of Gothenburg passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Gothenburg. Kristy was born Sept. 10, 1977, in North Platte, to James and Cherry (Kimball) Peterson.
Kristy attended school at Gothenburg Public Schools, where she graduated in May 1996. She went on to college at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority, graduating in 2008, with a bachelor's degree in elementary education with endorsement in early childhood. Kristy was a preschool teacher at Lexington Public School. She also helped her mom run Pete’s Lounge.
She also worked at the Wild Horse Golf Course for 18 years and worked for the YMCA for several years.
On Nov. 5, 2011, she married Matthew Gordon Connolley, and added to their family an amazing son, Kendrick Tyner Connolley on Sept. 5, 2012.
Kristy enjoyed traveling, spending time with friends and family, golfing, going to the lake, and painting. She also enjoyed helping others and taking care of her flowers.
Survivors include her husband Matthew and son Kendrick of Gothenburg; mother, Cherry Alger of Gothenburg; brother, Scott (Kayla) Peterson of Gothenburg; sisters, Lauren Peterson and Jill (Troy) Franzen of Gothenburg; father and mother in-law, Doug and Tammie Connolley of Cassville, Missouri; brother-in-law, Kevin (Kandra) Connolley of Cassville, Missouri; sister-in-law, Ari Connolley of Cassville, Missouri; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Kristy was preceded in death by her father, James Peterson; and grandparents, Ruben and Margret Peterson, and Delbert and Donna Kimball.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 6, at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Grace Gichuru officiating. Burial was in the Gothenburg Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to the family to support Kendrick's future education.