Kelli Jo Schneidmiller

Kelli Jo Schneidmiller, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, teacher, friend, and faithful follower of Jesus, went home to be with the Lord on August 3, 2026, just one day after her 65th birthday.

Kelli was born on August 2, 1961 to Ronald and Linda Knudsen. She was the eldest of four children, with three younger brothers. She grew up in Liberty Lake, Washington, a community she held close to her heart, where she built lifelong friendships, fell in love, raised her family, served faithfully and created countless memories.

She lit up when telling stories of growing up around the lake. Tales of time spent at her grandparents’ SIG’S resort—sneaking in orders for the grill, counting change and eagerly awaiting the day her arms were long enough to scoop ice cream for customers. Or the times spent skiing behind her family’s Bell Boy on the Connelly ski, she and her brothers purchased by pooling her babysitting money with their lawn mowing earnings. Her stories often began with, "I just have to laugh," followed by a memory that captured the delight and character of her childhood—like occasionally rounding up a cow before school or how her lifelong habit of volunteering in school offices began in first grade, when she answered incoming calls at Greenacres Elementary.

She graduated from Central Valley High School and continued her education at Eastern Washington University. She earned her teaching degree and went on to be a reading specialist. As a student she was involved in an array of activities: tennis, leadership and taking stats for the basketball team to name a few. She was also gifted musically, singing and playing the piano and guitar.

One of the most cherished chapters of Kelli’s life began when she married Ross, whom she often referred to as her favorite dance partner. Both being from Liberty Lake, their roots were deep in the community and together they built a life around faith, family, service, laughter, and love. They were blessed with three daughters: Jasmine, Jordana, and Janae. Being a wife, mother and grandmother were her greatest joys.

Kelli was a master of organization with a gift of making order out of chaos. Whether it was planning a parade, an auction or simply editing a paper, she offered her abilities wherever they were needed—no role was too big or too small. She often left behind detailed “how to” manuals to make things easier for whoever came next. She preferred serving quietly, behind the scenes and out of the spotlight.

An avid quilter, Kelli poured her love into everything she made. Making quilts for others was something she treasured, often quilting bible verses into the fabric of her creations. She had a way of making people feel truly known and appreciated, whether she had loved them for years or had only just met them. Her life was a beautiful testimony of what it looks like to love like Jesus.

Kelli was preceded in death by her father, Ron. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Ross, her daughters and their families, Jasmine and Taylor Hall, Cora, Ellis; Jordana and Steve Rees, Caden; Janae and Alex Sankey, Grayson, Miller, Piper; her mother, Linda, her three younger brothers, Ron Jr. (Jolene), Jack (Kari) and Eric and numerous nieces and nephews.

It was her request that the day of her last breath to be known as her heavenly birthday—not a day of sorrow, but a day of celebration. We invite you to celebrate her life with us on Friday, September 18th at 2:00pm at Valley Real Life Church. 1831 S Barker Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99016