Events
It is with great love that we announce the passing of Kelly Reeder Sheffield. Kelly passed peacefully on November 4, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born on May 17, 1956, to Darlene Reeder and Ray Bingham Sheffield, Kelly was the third of four siblings and maintained a close bond with them throughout his life.
Kelly led a life rich with diverse adventurous experiences and a joy of living. His family recalls the countless stories of his transcontinental motorcycle ride, spontaneous camping trips, and service opportunities, each tale a testament to his vibrant spirit.
Great was the impact of Kelly's compassion and strength. Those who knew Kelly would agree that he was tough, long-suffering and that his various trials elicited immense compassion for the people around him. Organ donation was important to Kelly, as his mother, Darlene received a live liver donation. In 1984 Kelly made a life-saving choice by donating a kidney to a dear friend.
His commitment to service was evident in every aspect of his life, from his experiences on his LDS mission in San Antonio, Texas, under President Featherstone, to his distinguished career as a public servant in the District Attorney's office after graduating with a Juris Doctor from BYU in 1988.
Kelly was a loving father to his two daughters, Drue and Sarah. They were the lights of his life. His connection with his children and grandchildren-Sela, JJ, Nate, and Gus- was profound, and he cherished every moment spent with them. As their "Poppy", he created lasting memories filled with so much joy.
Kelly is survived by his wife of 33 years, Kim Sheffield; daughters Drue Sheffield and Sarah Hosea (Charles); siblings Lon Sheffield (Rachael), Marci Sheffield Berhow, and Troy Sheffield (Sharon); his four adored grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Darlene Sheffield.
A celebration of Kelly's life will be held in honor of the joy and love he brought to all on Saturday, November 16th, at 10 am at the Colonial Hills Ward Building:
1455 So. 1700 East Salt Lake City, UT
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the University of Utah Transplant Department to continue the legacy of his commitment to helping others:
Please send donations to:
U of U Hospital Transplant Organ Donation
50 North Medical Drive
Salt Lake City, Utah
84132
or online at https://healthcare.utah.edu/foundation-Specify Organ Donation as the designated project.
In honor of Kelly, those able are encouraged to wear something green-his favorite color.
Those wishing to view the recording of the service via Zoom can click "Watch Service" button above.
Guestbook/Condolences
I had many cases with Kelly and got to know him well. My youngest daughter had major heart open heart surgery when she was a year old. Somehow Kelly found out about it. He showed up in the waiting room at Primary Children's hospital shortly after they had taken her back to the operating room. I do not know to this day how he found us. The surgery was complicated and took a long time. He sat there with my wife and me for what seemed like the entire time it took to do the surgery. That was the kind of human being Kelly was. The world is a less kind place without him.
I'm so very sorry, Ashlyn and Kellsey, for your grandfather's passing. All of use here in Seattle Reservations send you our thoughts and prayers.
I am very sorry to hear this sad news! I got to know Kelly quite well as we worked as co-chairs on SCC at Bonneville the year we were transitioning and interviewing for a new principal. As the hours kept multiplying, Kelly was worth his weight in gold! He was always pleasant, hard working, professional, and keeping things light! I can only imagine what a great influence he was for your family each day!
You will all be in my heart, thoughts, and prayers!
Sincerely,
Michelle Martinez
Kelly was such a wonderful and caring person. His love for his family and his daughters was apparent in the way he would talk about them - and the birds! He gave me great advice when I started as a prosecutor at the DAs office that I continue to share with other new prosecutors. He will be missed, but his legacy and name will continue to be shared as long as I am still around.
The defense attorneys who opposed Kelly in his prosecutor’s role always found someone willing to listen to our side and remain present to our reasoned suggestions about how to deal with the case’; more importantly they realized the depth of understanding he had for the law, the victim and defendants and their families. His kindness to all was sometimes seen as a sign of weakness…but it wasn’t. He could be and was forceful in the face of defendants who exhibited no mercy to their victims. We became friends and argued a lot…what I never told him was how much I admired his courage and strength as he faced so many challenges with the same understanding and grit. Kelly was a great man. However, his duplicity in showing up at. Utah Football games in Red(except when that team down South was at Rice Eccles)…remains a blemish on a life otherwise honorably lived. Rest In Peace Kelly….
Dear Kim, Drue & Sarah, I knew Kelly when we were living at Raintree. Your Dad is a great man and I always remember him with fondness. I picture him & Brent having a really good time doing what ever it is that they are doing on the other side. What a wonderful reunion with all those friends that have preceded Him. My prayers are with you at this time. Have a wonderful celebration of Kelly's life because it is a beautiful life. Love & prayers Lee Goodrich
I just joined zoom to watch the funeral and it was amazing! Sorry I couldn’t be there in person.
Such a great tribute to Kelly! Loved hearing from all of you!
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