Kelly Sanders Jenkins was born on February 6, 1962 in the town of Mt. Shasta to Sharon and Harold Sanders. Kelly passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025 in her home in Eureka. She spent the last 40 years in Eureka. We were fortunate, as Kelly had been in the hospital for almost three weeks prior to coming home on this date. Doctors released her to come home with Hospice care. In doing this Kel was able to be at home when she passed, with family and her dog Daniel laying at her feet. She was where she wanted to be.

As said above, Kelly lived in Eureka, but she also lived in many other places. She also lived in Sacramento, Big Lagoon, Dinsmore, Orleans, North Carolina, Barstow and a short time in Arkansas. But Kelly lived most of her life in Eureka. Kelly graduated from Southern Trinity High School in 1980 where she met and made friends that she kept for a lifetime. It was in Eureka where Kelly met and married her great love and soulmate, Chris Jenkins. Kelly and Chris met at their work (Safeway) and were married on August 5, 1995 in South Lake Tahoe, California. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Ashley and Jordyn. Kelly was so proud of her daughters and loved watching them grow into the amazing independent young women they are today.

The world lost a bit of color when Kelly passed away. She had an amazing sense of humor that would leave you in stitches, no matter what the circumstances. She was especially known for her “Kellyisms”, which were amazingly accurate, insightful, quirky observations of life’s moments that would just put a smile on your face. Kelly also had a hidden talent that not too many people knew about. Kelly loved writing poetry and even had one published at one time. She was a very good writer.

One of Kelly’s favorite things to do was to go fishing. Kelly and Chris had a Cabin at Ruth Lake for a few years, and it was always fun watching Kelly fish. As anyone who has gone fishing knows, you have to have some patience. Well patience, fishing, and Kelly were usually things that did not go together well. We loved to watch Kelly fish, nobody ever stared at the tip of their fishing pole more intently than Kelly. Chris tells a story about the first time he met Kelly’s parents in Orleans. Dad Lance worked for the Forest Service and did some river guide work as well. Lance took Kelly and Chris fishing in his drift boat while they were there. As Lance was guiding the boat, Kelly gave her pole a mighty cast. The only problem was Lance’s ear got in the way of Kelly’s hook. Well Lance calmly removed the hook from his ear and we went on fishing. I don’t remember if any fish were caught, but I’ll never forget that.

Kelly endured much physical suffering in her life, from Leukemia in her 40’s with years of treatment and its side effects, to diabetes, heart conditions, lung cancer, kidney disease, and various other issues. But above all Kelly was a warrior who kept the faith, kept on fighting, and stayed here with us for as long as she possibly could. Chris has alway said that Kelly is the toughest person he has ever known. She was an amazing human being with the kindest heart and the gentlest soul. Those of us who were fortunate to know her are better versions of ourselves because she touched our lies. Heaven got an amazing angel when she arrived there.

Kelly was preceded in death by her mother Sharon Rieland and stepfather ‘Dad’ Lance Rieland, and father Harold Sanders. Kelly is survived by her beloved husband Chris, children Ashley and Jordyn, brother Mark Sanders (Brenda) and family, stepbrother Dan Rieland (Heather) and family, and step sister Sherrie White (Chris) and family,

There will be a celebration of life for Kelly where we can all get together in June where those who wish can come and celebrate Kelly and tell their best Kelly story. Sanders funeral home is taking care of Kelly at this time and there will be a viewing at 2:30 p.m. April 3, 2025, Kelly will be interned at Sunset Memorial Park on Friday, April 4, 2025.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Kelly Jenkins’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.