Kelli Dawn Vettel's Obituary
Kelli Dawn Vettel, 59, of Hallsville, passed away on January 12, 2024, after a lengthy illness.
Kelli was born on August 23, 1964, to Sonja “Gayle” Howe and William Edward Vettel in Dallas, Texas. After Kelli graduated from Fairfield High School in 1982, she attended Stephen F. Austin University, later moving to Longview. She was employed at Eastman Chemical Company as a Firefighter and Safety Inspector, retiring in 2018 after 32 years. Kelli instructed at Texas A & M fire training school for many years. Being a firefighter was Kelli’s passion.
Kelli is survived by her loving partner Shelley Benson, her father William Vettel and wife Lu, her sister Stacy Jackson, niece Lauren Keckley and husband Josh, nephews Marc Pearson and wife Morgan, Brian Jackson and wife Melanie, and Jordan Jackson and wife Dianna and great- nephews and niece Miles, Carter, Hadley, Caleb and Owen, along with many loyal friends, extended family, and her dog Coco. Kelli was predeceased by her mother Gayle Vettel and her brother-in-law Reed Jackson.
Kelli moved from Longview to Hallsville in 1999 where she built her dream house and created a fulfilling life for herself. In 2015, Kelli met the love of her life, Shelley. The two enjoyed traveling to the beach and Mexico with friends. Kelli never met a stranger and loved life to the fullest.
Kelli you will be missed and loved much.
Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 2:00 pm at St. Michael’s and All Saints Episcopal Church of Longview. With a gathering of family and friends after the service in the church’s parish hall. All are welcome to come, share stories and celebrate the life of Kelli Vettel or to some, just Vettel.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to either:
Hallsville Volunteer Fire Department
102 N Central St.
Hallsville, Texas. 75650
903-668-3232
or
Alzheimer’s Association
Act.alz.org
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