Kelli Lynn McFarland of Mooresville, N.C., and formerly of Sandy, Utah, peacefully passed away February 25, 2025. She was born October 5, 1968 in Sacramento, Calif., daughter of Curtis and Hazel Morton.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Joseph W. and Roberta H Morton, and her maternal grandparents, Vaughn and Bessie Elmore.
Kindness. Kelli was the walking epitome of the word. She never had a negative thing to say about anyone, she always saw the good in people, and was fueled by deep authentic connection with others. If you ever found yourself in a conversation with her, you would likely reflect later that you had poured your soul out to her without even realizing it. She cared deeply for anyone with whom she connected, and she had an unquenchable curiosity about the lives and life lessons of others.
Kelli was committed to a healthy lifestyle. Her physical strength, endurance, and agility amazed anyone who worked out with her. And she built close and important relationships with ladies at every gym where she was a member. She also loved the outdoors, especially hiking and wake surfing. She was an incredible steady hand in the face of adversity. Whenever her husband Keith would get the family into trouble on a horse packing trip or a Lake Powell trip, or some other ill-advised adventure, she was a calm in the storm — including piloting the family’s 75-foot houseboat in 50 mph wind.
She loved the lake life. When Keith decided to cut back on his work, they together searched for the perfect spot to live out their final years. She chose the house in which the family now lives, and unleashed her creativity in remodeling the house and shaping the yard and landscaping. She viewed it as a special place to welcome friends and family for frequent visits. Her favorite place on earth was sitting out on the back deck, watching the water and drinking her chamomile tea with her dog Jax.
As Cole, her youngest son, prepared to go to college, Kelli decided to renew her license and open a psychotherapist practice. For the first three years she worked with the poor and indigent community in Salt Lake City through an organization called Project Connection and did untold good in that community. Later she opened a private practice and helped scores of people plagued with anxiety, depression and eating disorders — as well as counseled couples on how to build robust marriages rooted in love and how to nurture and support their children.
On the subject of marriage and family, she could speak from experience. More than anything, she saw herself put on this earth to be the best possible wife and mother she could be. And boy did she crush that goal.
She leaves a lasting legacy to be cherished by her survivors, including her husband of nearly 32 years, Keith, and her two sons, Will of Charlotte, N.C., and Cole of New York City, N.Y. And her memory will be also cherished by countless relatives on both sides of the family and friends around the globe.
The family wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Kathyrn Mileham and her amazing team at the Levine Cancer Center, and the wonderful people at the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a contribution in Kelli’s name to the Sharing Place of Salt Lake City (thesharingplace.org), which works with young children who have lost a parent. Kelli volunteered each week with the Sharing Place for nearly twenty years.
The family will receive friends on Friday, March 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, at the Chapel of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home with Rev. Charles D. Plank officiating. Burial will follow the service at Glenwood Memorial Park.
To stream the celebration of life service, simply click on the link below at 1 p.m. EDT on March 7.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the McFarland family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.