Traci Kelley

1976 - 2025

Traci L. Kelley, 49, of Lynnwood, WA, passed away suddenly on August 13, 2025, after years of battling chronic health conditions. She was a beloved sister, daughter, friend, and a bright presence in all the lives she touched. She would probably roll her eyes at the idea of being summed up in a few paragraphs, but here we are.

Born to Robert (Bob) Kelley (deceased) and Shirley (Black) Kelley, Traci grew up surrounded by love, laughter, and the knack for finding chaos and celebrating it. Her family was central to her life, and she carried the values and humor instilled by her father with her every day. Traci's heart was always in Montana, the place she loved growing up. She was a proud Bruin and a staunch Griz fan. She loved fiercely, complained colorfully, and never hesitated to roll her eyes at nonsense. Her legacy isn't just in the memories of laughter she created, but also in the honesty with which she lived. She showed us that joy and struggle can sit side by side, and that a sharp tongue can still be a soft place to land.

Life handed Traci more chronic illnesses than anyone should get in one lifetime, but she refused to be defined by them. Instead, she perfected the art of dark humor, mastered the dramatic eye roll, and had a standing appointment not only with a plethora of doctors but also with her signature wit. A lifelong fan of comedian Larry David, she adopted his philosophy that life is basically one long, awkward comedy sketch-and she played her role brilliantly. She never hesitated to say what everyone else was thinking, usually with a deadpan look that could stop you in your tracks.

Despite her knack for sarcasm, Traci was fiercely loving and intensely loyal. Those who knew her best will remember her generosity, her warmth, and her flawlessly timed one-liners that made us laugh even when we wanted to cry. She was the first kid in the neighborhood to go and meet (spy) on a new family that moved in, and usually the one to get into the most mischief or at least get caught. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her nephew, Carter, and her niece, Colette (Coco). Let's be real, she also loved a deep conversation, a pack of cigarettes, a long drive in the backroads of Montana, and her favorite tunes in the background.

Traci leaves behind a family and a circle of friends who were her world. Her mother, Shirley (Black) Kelley; sister Lisa (Kelley) Davis; brother-in-law Kent Davis; nephew Carter; niece Colette (Coco); and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and a group of ride-or-die friends spread across the country. Her love for them was as fierce as her sarcasm, and as enduring as her laughter.

A celebration of her life will be held on September 27, 2025, from 3–6 p.m. at Headwaters Crafthouse in Helena, MT. As Larry David would say, "Don't bother sending flowers. She can't see them." She hated small talk, so don't bother with it. Wear what makes you comfortable, share a story that makes you laugh, and if something about the day feels awkward, perfect. That's exactly how she'd want it to be---pretty, pretty, pretty good.