Kelly Kraehe

Mrs. Kelly Sue Kraehe (née Barbic), age 62, passed away on October 15, 2025, in Los Cerillos, New Mexico. Born on September 12, 1963, in Cleveland, Ohio, Kelly’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with creativity, movement, and deep familial bonds.

Kelly’s early years were spent in the Nordonia Hills City School District, where she first discovered her love for learning, athletics, music and art. She continued her education at Kent State University earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art Education, a Masters Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Texas-Pan American, and a Masters Degree from Harvard University in Museum Studies, all laying the groundwork for a lifetime of artistic expression and dynamic living.

From a young age, Kelly embraced the arts with an open heart and spirited enthusiasm. Dance became one of her earliest passions - an outlet through which she expressed both joy and resilience. Music stirred her soul, and exploring and creating art through many different mediums became her lifelong vocation. These creative pursuits remained central to her identity throughout her life.

Equally drawn to physical activity and competition, Kelly ran cross country and track during her youth - disciplines that reflected not only her athleticism but also her determination and drive. In later years, she found delight in yoga, bowling, and pickleball, all blending camaraderie with challenge and allowing her to continue moving with purpose and playfulness.

At the heart of Kelly’s world was her family. Her love for them was unwavering—a guiding force that shaped every chapter of her journey. She is survived by her beloved husband George Kraehe, sons Benno and Kai Kraehe, mother Sandra (Rundell) Barbic, father Jim Barbic (Margie), sisters Shannon (fiancé Dave), Hanne (William), and Andrea, brother James (Rachel), nieces Erin (Mason), Claire, and Hayle, nephews Brendan, Enzo, Felix, and Andrew, great-niece Hope, brother-in-law Vincent, and sisters-in-law Vivian and Ellen and their children Allie, Mary, Josie, Jordan, Jonathan, and Niko.

She also leaves behind Aunt Hanny and Uncle Bill, Aunt Pat (Wolf, deceased), Aunt Merriann (David, deceased), cousins Bill (Jan), Kurt (Joann), Kristen (Buck), and second cousin Pat (Buddy, deceased), along with many additional precious family members and friends.

Kelly was preceded in death by her grandparents Barbara and Scott Rundell, Jean and Edward Barbic, Irene and Hansjorg Greiner, mother-in-law Linda Lella, and Kelly’s beloved Basenji Nelly.

A private memorial service was held in Los Cerillos, New Mexico, in honor of Kelly’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society in loving memory of Kelly.

Her presence brought light to those around her - a light that will continue to shine through cherished memories. May her spirit live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

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