Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Kelli Clarkson Obituary
Kelli was born March 4, 1953, and grew up on a farm east of Belle Fourche, S.D. She graduated from Belle Fourche High School in 1971 and married Alan Crago that summer. She worked for the Posy Palace in Belle Fourche and various flower shops in Spearfish, S.D., and Boulder.
An extremely gifted artist, Kelli created using as many different mediums as her imagination could conjure. These included painting, photography, floral arrangement, jewelry, pottery, textiles, interior design and gourmet cooking among others. It was truly a delight to see her many creations. Kelli also had a wanderlust from an early age and life's travels took her from Canada to Chile, Ecuador to Egypt, Tobago to Ethiopia and many, many points in between. All members of her immediate family were able to spend time with Kelli in Mexico recently.
She was diagnosed with cancer in February of this year and her sister, Cathy Bennett, was at her side from beginning to end. From your loving family, thank you Cathy.
Grateful for having her life shared with them are her mother, Dorothy Clarkson and friend Howard Teague of Beulah, Wyo.; siblings, Karen Clarkson (Doug Anderson) of Broomfield, Scott Clarkson (Mary) of Clearmont, Wyo., Cathy Bennett (Gerry) of Spearfish, Jeb Clarkson (Maureen) of Belle Fourche; longtime companion, Anthony Ricky Clarke of Tobago, West Indies; as well as nieces, Heidi (Matt) Stefanich, Shelby (Kenner) Cihak, and Bailee Clarkson; and nephews, Mason (Leslie) Bennett, Dylan (Nicole) Clarkson, and Trey (Brittany) Clarkson; great-nieces, Grace and Olivia Cihak and Bella Bennett; and great-nephews, Logan and Myles Stefanich, Sawyer and Lennon Clarkson and Bodhi Bennett.
She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents and her father, Herb Clarkson.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Black Hills Children's Home Creative Arts Program.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Christian Life Center in Belle Fourche with Pastor Paul Howard officiating.
Kline Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Family and friends may leave written condolences at www.klinefuneralchapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kelli Clarkson
Jeralyn Edwards-Berner
October 9, 2024
I will forever miss her until we meet again, my friend. I love you so much. You´re very best friend.
Jeralyn
October 9, 2020
Miss you every day friend, love you forever. e<9
Beverly Hoffman (Breidenbach)
October 28, 2010
To Kelli's precious family: We were sorry to hear of Kelli's passing. We hope the strength and beauty of her life will bring you memories that will last forever. You each have a guardian angel to watch over you from above. Sending our deepest sympathy.
Lynette Hall-Kieffer
October 15, 2010
To all of the Clarkson Family - We are saddened to hear of Kelli's passing. Though it has been many, many years since we last saw all of you, we have wonderful childhood memories of times spent with our Clarkson cousins at the canyon cabin and when visiting Aunt Maude. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May your memories of Kelli bring you comfort and peace.
The Dwight Hall Family -
Emerald, Lynette, Andrea, Kimberly and Michelle.
Anthony Bradley
October 15, 2010
Kelli, I feel truly blessed to have felt the warmth of your friendship. The beautiful art you shared will brighten the many places you will be missed. I will hold on to the colorful stories of your wonderful travels. The impression you left on my heart and soul will be cherished.
To All of Kelli's Family: I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I send my prayers and condolences to all of you.
To Bailee: "Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile" -SPF-
jeri berner
October 15, 2010
Dear Kelli's family- My heart goes out to each one of you and to you Dorothy. I know we will see our dear one again.
My love to you all, and may your love you shared bring you faith and peace.
Jeri, becca and Mike ( boulder co)
Carol & Kenny Bean
October 15, 2010
To all of Kelli's family: We were so sorry to hear of her passing. We hope the wonderful memories of you have of her will help you through this difficult time.
October 15, 2010
Scott & Mary Clarkson
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Kelli Clarkson's name
Memorial Events
for Kelli Clarkson
How to support Kelli's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kelli Clarkson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
