Kelly Ann Hunley

Kelly Hunley passed away on February 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.  

Although there is a huge hole in our hearts, we find comfort in knowing she is in heaven

with our Lord Jesus Christ. Her unwavering faith in God guided her through life's

challenges and inspired those who knew her.

Kelly was born in Sacramento on May 11, 1983, where she spent most of her childhood.

After graduating from Hiram Johnson West Campus High School in 2001, she earned a

BA in Psychology from San Diego State University, graduating with honors and serving

as president of the Alpha Phi Sorority. She then earned an MA in Industrial-

Organizational Psychology at California State University, Sacramento.

While attending CSUS, Kelly began her career in 2010 with the California Board of

State and Community Corrections. She worked there until the time of her passing as a

Research Data Specialist II. Kelly was a living example of a true work ethic, resilience,

and dedication to doing a good job and helping others.

Kelly's world revolved around her family, her dog "Ledge," her friends and her church

family. She always had a kind word for others and a smile that would light up a room.

She was blessed to serve God and others by going on mission trips to Africa and

Nicaragua. Kelly loved to travel and enjoyed musicals. She also jokingly referred to

herself as a "nap queen" because she always enjoyed a good nap.

Kelly was a strong advocate for the Sarcoma Foundation to seek funding for research

for this deadly and obscure type of cancer. Every year, she would form a team for the

annual "Race to Cure Sarcoma" and never gave up hope of finding a cure.

Kelly is survived by her parents, Ernie and Ginny Hunley; her brother and sister-in-law,

Jacob and Emily; her nephews Dylan, Gabriel and Eli, who were the "lights of her life";

sister, Catrina; grandmother, Clarice Hutcheon; and numerous loving family members

including her step-grandma, aunts, uncles and cousins. Kelly's friendships were lifelong

and unbreakable - childhood, college, co-workers and church friends whose bonds and

support remained strong through the years.

Kelly's last words were "I've had a good life." Her presence was a gift from God, and

she will be missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be planned for the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations can

be made to the Sarcoma Foundation.