Natalie Claire Kempf, 42, of Smyrna, TN passed away on Tuesday February 13th, 2024 with family by her side.

Natalie was born on June 30th, 1981 and was adopted by Bill and Connie Ferlin in Plymouth Michigan where she grew up with her sister Lindsay and the family dog Bradley. Natalie played basketball, soccer, and baseball in her youth and dabbled in dance and classical piano. She and her family enjoyed swimming in Murray lake, riding bikes in Hines park and visiting Traverse City.

Natalie was always fascinated by the weather and studied atmospheric science in college. While she eventually chose to major in business (ever practical as she was) she continued to enjoy tracking the weather.

Natalie put her business degree to good use managing operations for a LaZboy retail store for over 20 years. Her sharp wit, extraordinary organizational skills, and thoughtful personality earned her admiration at work and in her personal life. Natalie took care of people. It was a core part of her personality; something that came naturally to her. She cared for people with compassion and empathy, without bitterness or complaint, never demanding recognition or asking for anything in return.

Natalie has always been an animal lover and this was evident by the menagerie of critters in her home at any given time. At peak capacity she resided with three dogs, four hermit crabs, two guinea pigs, one leopard gecko, and of course her beloved husband and son.

Natalie married Thomas Kempf twenty years ago and gave birth to their precious son Joshua in 2014. Natalie was a devoted mother, caring wife, steadfast sister and trusted confidant to those that knew her. She embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, patience, and an unending generosity that could be seen in her care for her child, husband, parents, friends, and animals.

Natalie was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer three and a half years ago. The diagnosis was devastating to her and her family. Determined to live as long as possible, she researched every cancer treatment known to humankind. The strength of her spirit shone through in a multitude of ways, from the t-shirts she wore (metastatic AF), to her unyielding determination to make as many beautiful memories as she could with Josh and her family. She hated the cancer for the pain it caused her, the loss of movement, the tedious schedule of doctors appointments, physical therapy sessions, and hours of treatments yet she carried on, full of hope and guided by the desire to see her son grow up. Even throughout her own treatment she continued to love and care for those around her.

We all knew of her diagnosis but we thought we would have more time with her. Her departure is gravely felt by her entire family and countless others who loved her deeply.

Natalie is survived by her husband Thomas Kempf, son Joshua Kempf, mother and father Connie and Bill Ferlin, sister Lindsay Ferlin and her spouse Bon Cook, a sweetheart of a dog named Maddie, and many dear extended family members and friends.

The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time. Natalie has requested that friends and family contribute to Joshua’s 529 educational plan in lieu of flowers. Please contact Lindsay Ferlin (415) 378-1706 for the custodian and 529 plan # if you wish to donate.

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