Kelly Ehlers

Kelly Jo was born into the immense love of her parents, Mike and Debbie Ehlers (Sikorski). She spent her very early years in Barney, enjoying her time with her parents, two sisters, and two brothers. They would adventurously play outdoors doing activities like “swimming” in the rain and visiting the farm animals. She had many friends throughout her younger years. She often told stories of these great times while laughing.

Her older brother Scott was always introducing Kelly to new music, books, movies, and experiences. When she wasn’t at school in her teen years, she spent most of her time hanging out with oldest sister Stephanie (who was her boss when she was young) and her sister’s friends. Lisa and Kelly wrote countless notes to each other in and out of school, inspiring laughter and happiness to this day. They kept many of them. Kelly and her sisters shared everything- a bedroom, clothes, thoughts, laughs, and friends. They were best friends. Kevin was always taking care of her wherever they both would go, from driving her to school every day to living with Kelly and Morgan in Fargo. While in school, Kelly excelled academically earning honors when she graduated. She never devoted herself to a sport due to her non-competitive nature.

Kelly eventually moved to Wahpeton, and attended college at NDSCS. She moved into an apartment with both of her sisters, Steph and Lisa, and her twin brother, Kevin. Several of their best friends shared the same building and they created an abundance of memories within that time together.

She was a gorgeous, kind-hearted, gentle person who was also fiercely loyal. She made friends effortlessly. She was the type of person who magnetically attracted people with her infectious, loveable personality and incredibly cute laugh. Kelly was the type of friend who you could pick back up with where you left off, even if you hadn’t seen each other for years. She had a deep-rooted sense of caring about all living things demonstrated by the choice to become a vegetarian at the age of twelve, out of compassion for animals. Activities involving nature such as canoeing, hiking, and parks were her favorite.

When Kelly began dating Morgan in 2011, she moved to Fargo. They were inseparable from day one of dating, and shared so much love. They became engaged the following year and had their daughter Vaela on April 25, 2012. Kelly was the most devoted and thoughtful mother. She stayed home raising Vaela and helped to babysit her nephew Milo (Stephanie’s son) & niece Lily (Scott’s daughter) when needed. They always had fun-filled days packed with learning activities, art projects, and trips to the park and Splash Pad.

On November 15, 2014, Everest was born and the family was complete. Together Morgan, Kelly, Vaela, and Everest spent much quality time together exploring as many activities as possible. Kelly also had a new nephew, Aver (also Stephanie’s), to help care for and loved doing so. She took care of Morgan, and was his rock. She gracefully handled all of the family’s affairs including doctor appointments, school, family gatherings… all the while running the household. Kelly had little time to focus on herself as she was so dedicated to others.

We lost our Kelly on November 25, 2016 to a long-lasting bout with waves of depression. She was irreplaceable, and life without her seems unimaginable. She would want us to go on though, and multiply goodness in the world. She would want everyone to be happy. She would want us to make things better in any way we can each day, just as she would. There aren’t enough words in the world to express what we feel for Kelly. Please take time to think about your own loved ones and how losing them would affect you. Reach out to any in need.   ❤