After a long illness, our beautiful mother, daughter, sister, auntie, and friend passed away on May 14, 2015. Kelly was the second of five children, born to Joann and William McKenzie, on February 25, 1957.

The majority of her childhood was spent at her parents’ home in McKinleyville, where there were fields to pick daffodils, room to play softball and other games, as well as a neighborhood full of childhood friends.

Kelly attended St. Mary’s Elementary School, McKinleyville High School, and College of the Redwoods, graduating from their Dental Assisting Program and obtaining her RDA.

Many will remember her years of service in the dental field, working for Dr. Lawrence Johanson, DDS and Dr. George Epperson, DDS. She was loved by her patients and many lifelong friends were made during this time.

After her career in the dental field, she went to work for the Northern Humboldt Union High School District, working for their Adult Education Program. Later she worked at McKinleyville High School, where she was the assistant principal’s secretary, and finally becoming the principal’s secretary. Her proudest work for the district was being the director for Northern Humboldt Employment Services. She loved her crew and had a special bond with many of her workers.

Kelly is survived by her proudest accomplishments, her sons: Blair Mason and his wife Katie, Bailey Mason and his fiancée Shannon Bradley. She is also survived by her family: her mother, Joann McKenzie; her dad-in-spirit, Bob Bugbee; siblings Denise McKenzie and her husband Ed Emmons, Leslie McKenzie, Bill McKenzie and his fiancée Christine Silver, Mary Dawn Ford and her husband Merritt. She was loved by her nieces and nephews: Kelsey Wood, Dawson Patrick, Whitney Wilson, Casey McKenzie, McKenzie Ford, Karli McKenzie, William Mattingly, McKenna Ford and Tanner Mattingly. She will be missed by her extended family, as well as those that called her friend.

Kelly was preceded in death by her Dad, William McKenzie.

Kelly was blessed to have the love and support of her “Team Kelly Ann.” This team of friends and family made it possible for her to stay in her home during her illness and made many sacrifices to ensure that she had everything she needed or wanted in her final days. Thank you all for your patience and being there for her.

Our family would like to give a special thanks to Marcelle Mahan MD, Fr. Michael Cloney, Leonard Amarant, and our “saving grace” Patti Stanley.

Services for Kelly will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at Christ the King Catholic Church in McKinleyville, beginning at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to McKinleyville High School’s booster club, Panther Partners, or to a charity of your choice.

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The above obituary was submitted by Kelly Ann McKenzie’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.