Kelli Ranae Garland

A Celebration of Life for Kelli Ranae Garland has been scheduled for Sunday, August 16, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Ertel Memorial Chapel. Following the service a light meal will be served outside at the Garland’s home, 23261 County Road S, for those who would like to come.
Kelli was born on April 24, 1980 to William E. Garland, Jr. & Vonda (Blair) Garland in Cortez, CO. Our beautiful Kelli was taken from us unexpectedly too soon due to a medical event not related to the pandemic on April 23, 2020 at Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque, NM at the age of 39.
Kelli was a happy, curious, helpful and loving person who always sought knowledge. She enjoyed growing up in the Cortez area and at the families’ farm in Dove Creek. She attended school in the Re-1 School District graduating from Montezuma-Cortez High School in 1998. Following graduation Kelli began a period where she obtained what she jokingly called her “patchwork quilt of education.” She attended 3 years at Colorado School of Mines; obtained her culinary degree at the Art Institute of Colorado; attended classes at San Juan Community College and took other trainings and classes of interest while always reading, reading & reading. She worked at restaurants, catering companies, a bank, a credit card processing company, and did bookkeeping for a small private company. Ultimately she found the one job which she actually referred to as her “career” when she was hired and was in training as a dispatcher with San Juan Community Communications Authority in Aztec, New Mexico. This job utilized her abilities, was always new & exciting and satisfied her interest in helping and serving her community until the time of her death.
Kelli is survived by her loving parents, Bill & Vonda Garland of Arriola, CO; her brother, Chris Garland and nephew, Colter and niece, Claire of Casper, WY; and many loving extended family members. Kelli leaves behind a vast array of acquaintances & numerous friends whose lives she touched with her generous heart and bright smile.
There is a Memorial fund established in Kelli’s name at the Dolores State Bank and all contributions will be used to help county organizations which help others.
May her bright light warm our hearts forever.