V ettel Kelli Dawn Vettel, 59, of Hallsville, passed away on Jan. 12, 2024, after a lengthy illness. Kelli was born on Aug. 23, 1964, to Sonja “Gayle” Howe and William Edward Vettel in Dallas.
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 and her son Chen, 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 greatnephews 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 Schick and her brotherin- law Reed Jackson, both of Fairfield. 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 were loved much.
Celebration of Life Service was held Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at 2 p.m. at St. Michael’s and All Angels 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