But even her parents (her mom I believe) said Kristy and her phone are always together. Kristy has two little kids.
Never thought I'd say this to bessie but I'm thinking the opposite!
Most of us have our phones with us at all times, but that doesn't mean we don't forget about them. In fact, the things we use the most often are also the most likely to get misplaced. Keys, phones, sunglasses, purses...we carry them everywhere, so there is greater risk of them being left somewhere.
I am surprised there was nothing of consequence, apparently, on her phone though. I thought she would have made or received a last call or text to indicate if she had any other ideas besides going straight home.
Anyway, I seldom know where my phone is but I am sure I am not typical in that.
It's possible that there was something of consequence on the phone but LE hasn't told us about it yet.
And I'm constantly looking for my phone. I miss calls half the time because I can't locate the phone in time to answer it.

He would probably have let her in for her phone, if she made it back there. I don't think she did. Somehow she got sidetracked, ran into someone she knew or went off the road. Or maybe left it on purpose. We just don't know much of anything.
I'm starting to think she did not go back for the phone, but went somewhere else. I mean, most of us are kind of stuck on this narrative of "she realized she forgot the phone and went back for it," but what if that is not the case? What if she went somewhere else? Maybe she got a text while she was still at the VFW from someone who wanted to meet up. So she leaves quickly, but stops by the bathroom first, where she accidentally leaves her phone behind.
This is flying the s end of Dale and its still there and moving more s now toward Lincoln state park and holiday world area.
They could be searching for Joelle Lockwood, too.