Kelli Hermanns

Kelli Hermanns returned to her heavenly father on March 8, 2022 surrounded by her incredibly loving husband Phil Hermanns, who never left her side, and her children who flew from all over the country to be with her.

She was born in Oakland, California on May 7, 1964 to Leonard and Frances (Smith) Stephens. She attended St. Jarlath elementary, Bishop O'Dowd high school, Chabot College and San Diego State. In 1985 she married the love of her life, Phillip, and they remained married for 36 years.

Kelli was a phenomenal mother of far more than just her four kids, an adoring wife and partner of over 38 years, a loving daughter, a doting grandmother, a remarkable niece, a wonderful sister, the cool aunt, a pious godmother, a true best friend, a devout Catholic, a Veteran supporter, a hilarious jokester, a bit of a rebel, a woman with the kindest heart, a powerful fighter, willpower incarnate, a genius crafter, a Disney fanatic, the game of Spoons reigning Queen, a world-traveler, a source of laughter, an animal-lover who never turned a stray away, a caretaker for so many in need, the loudest football and wrestling cheerleader, the best hugger, a canning and cooking fiend, the life of the party, a wine and whiskey connoisseur, the woman who could cook a deer or elk any which way, a Christmas and holiday enthusiast, a Girl Scout and Boy Scout Eagle Mom, a volleyball player, an outdoor hiker, a California girl (but a Denver Bronco fan), a whole pot of coffee drinker, a whale and elephant-saving supporter, a sorority sister, a laughing-before-the-funny-part movie watcher, a wise confidant, an 80s music-loving rockstar, and an ocean lover (because of that of course she fell in love with a sailor). Those blessed to know her will always remember her and miss her greatly.

She is survived by her husband Phil, daughter Kara Hermanns and her partner Casey Wolverton of Denver CO, son Duncan Hermanns and his wife Nadine of San Diego CA, son Gregg Hermanns of New Orleans, LA, son Grant Hermanns and his wife Amy of New Jersey, and granddaughters Riley, Harper and Monroe Hermanns, as well as numerous relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Lori Slaybaugh.

Services to honor Kelli will be held on May 7, 2022 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Rio Rancho, NM, beginning with a Rosary at 10:00am followed by a celebration of life mass at 10:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate charitable donations in her name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or Purdue Center for Cancer Research.