Events
Kelli Tobin Reeves died on February 23rd, 2025 from a sudden illness. Kelli was born July 19th, 1959 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Samuel Joseph Tobin, Jr. and Grace Marie Tobin (née Smith).
Except for a few years in Baltimore, Maryland where her father was stationed, Kelli grew up at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon with her four siblings and spent the rest of her life in the Salt Lake Valley. She was devoted to her son, Christopher, and grandson, Karter, who were her greatest joys and sources of immense pride. She was considered a second mom by her niece and nephew, Audrey and Ian, and she had a special relationship with each of her siblings. As an adult, Kelli returned to her childhood home to care for her mother and to raise her son along with beloved dogs, horses, birds, and an assortment of inherited classroom pets. Kelli was a talented and lifelong artist who excelled in portraiture and pencil. Her energy, creativity, and big personality was loved by her many friends, students, and most of all by her family.
Kelli graduated from Westminster College with a bachelors in art and elementary education. She taught the second and fourth grade for over three decades and retired from the Jordan School District. She loved her students, believed that children had their own unique learning styles, and she brought creative fun into her classrooms.
Kelli is missed dearly and survived by her son, Christopher Reeves, grandson, Karter Reeves; her siblings, Gary Tobin (Andrea Tobin), Patrick Tobin, and Tom Tobin; nieces and nephew, Holly Tobin Dalton, Audrey Anderson, and Ian Anderson, and five grand-nephews and -niece.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, March 14th, 2025, at 12 noon at Le Jardin (1910 E 10600 S Sandy, UT 84092).
Guestbook/Condolences
I am so sorry for your loss Chris. I have many fond memories of working with your mom at Oakdale. I will not forget the times we laughed together. I am sorry I will be out of town on the date of her celebration. I hope your memories of her will bring you peace. Love, Carol
I used to share my playpen with Christopher and have recently been honored with seeing Kelli every month for book club. I’m shocked and saddened to hear of her sudden passing. She was such an incredible force of a woman. My love goes to her family and friends.
I am sad to learn of Kelli's death. She was such a good artist and all around great person. I will miss hugs from her at our sketching dates. She taught me a lot about color and composition, and to accept and own my mistakes.