June 28, 2025. Taken far too soon. Kelli Ann Welch was born May 15, 1962 in Eureka. Kelli was raised in Humboldt and Trinity counties. Living with her Auntie in Salyer is where she had her fondest childhood memories. As an adult Kelli favored Humboldt County because it was neither too hot nor cold.

After graduating from Hoopa High School Kelli worked in hospitality at a motel her mom, Betty, managed. Later at a clothing store called Bistrin‘s. At first she was timid approaching customers. But honestly she found her calling here. Kelli worked at the Times-Standard newspaper in advertising, and then at Cox Cable.

In 1989 Kelli gave birth to her son, Shan. Everything she did evolved around him. Kelli started a jewelry business when Shan was young. Shan would help his mom, sometimes setting up for jewelry parties. To expand her jewelry business Kelli took classes at the College of the Redwoods to become a silversmith. She excelled in silversmithing and over the years made some exceptional pieces of jewelry.

As Kelli continued her jewelry business part time, she caught the Fire and Light “bug.” With much excitement, Kelli would attend Fire and Light seconds sales. Kelli loved finding the great deals!

Years later, Kelli would go to work for Fire and Light full-time. She was enamored by this job. She love talking to people and she love the glass product. She sometimes got to take small groups on tours of the facility. Kelli would often tell us how many thousands of pounds she would move in one day. It was hard to imagine but completely believable. Kelly lived a life with a spirit full of kindness and brought joy and love to people around her.

Losing our Auntie Rose and her job with Fire and Light (closed permanently) in 2019 was really hard on Kelli. Auntie Rose and Kelli were more like sisters, with only nine years between them. Kelli was a survivor. She had a great sense of humor, and was competitive by nature. Kelli was independent in life and loved spending time with family and friends. She’d loved card games, going to ladies bingo, playing pool and checking out all the local thrift stores. She loved camping and swimming. Kelli was an excellent baker, baking homemade pies and chocolate chip cookies. During the holidays Kelli never showed up empty-handed. She always had a gift or goodies in hand. It was important to her that everyone feel included.

Kelli was proud to say she paid off her house. She was tickled that she had something to leave Shan when it was her time to go.

The world should’ve stopped the day she died. She is missed.

There will be a celebration of life Saturday, October 25. Pop in from noon to 4 p.m. Food and dessert will be served. For information, call 707-839-1203. A head count will be appreciated.

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