Kelley Tackel

Marian Jeppson Tackel was born in Pocatell Idaho, on an air force base, November 11, 1973. She lived there with her parents for a couple years before eventually moving to Amarillo, Texas. Kelley grew up and was raised in Amarillo where she became a big sister to two brothers.

The year 1994, when Kelley was twenty-one, she met the love of her life James Tackel. They did end up separating, but as time passed, they were always drawn back together.

Kelley would marry her first husband and would be blessed with three beautiful children JoBe, Jennifer, and Joseph. While being a dedicated mother, home maker and working, Kelley earned her degree in the medical profession.

When Kelley's first husband passed away, she had stayed connected throughout the years with James, and eventually time had brought them together once again. Kelley, not wanting to lose the man of her dreams asked him to marry her. On a perfect day in December, the 21st, 2015, they tied the knot, and a family was made. As time passed life had its ups and downs, but Kelley, James, and the kids grew to become a family of misfits James gave Kelley the best 8 years of marriage. He gave her life fulfillment and more purpose. She was able to try new things, explore, and experience so much in the eight years they were together then she ever had.

Kelley was a true believer in all things paranormal, from aliens to ghost, she was always fascinated by the unknown. She was religious and was always finding new books to read regarding God and how to be more spiritually connected. She had a childhood love of Scooby-Doo and Charlie Brown that she had passed to her children. Kelley also had a huge love of the magic of Christmas, from the soft glow of a Christmas tree at night, to the carol's song in the car, to making sugar cookies and decorating them for Santa to eat.

Kelley was a shy and timid person at times, but once you had gotten to know her and see the love and kindness that was in her heart you could never forget her. Her smile could light up and a room and make anyone feel warm. She was a very giving person whether it was kind words, love, or forgiveness. She never liked conflict and had a very approachable attitude when it came to making things right and settling disagreements.

Kelley also had a special place in her heart for her family, she always wanted them close and for them to know how much she loved them, she adored her kids and husband. She also had an endless love for her dog's, and everyone knew it because she showed them off.

Kelley was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia and Metastatic Melanoma, from the time that she found out she was fighting. Going to the doctors, chemo, radiation, anything and everything to help her stay here a little longer. Even when she was sent to the hospital, the doctors informed her she would only have a few days to live once she left and started in home hospice, she fought, she lasted over a month. Her will to stay and live in order to be here for her family was so strong she fought till the end, always reassuring her family "it would be okay".

Kelley was kind, sweet, generous, caring, compassionate, and some many other things. Kelley is survived by her husband James Tackel, Her children, JoBe Bell, Jennifer Dyer, and Joseph Bell, Her dogs Buster, Cooper, and Ginger and her grand-dogs Sadie and Red, Her parents Ralph and Brenda Jeppson, Her brothers Chris Jeppson and his family, John Jeppson and his family, and many aunts and uncles and cousins.

The service for Kelley Tackel will be held on Saturday, at 4:00 PM at Companion Funeral and Cremation Service, Chattanooga Chapel.

Visitation: Saturday, at 12:00 PM at Companion Funeral and Cremation Service, Chattanooga Chapel.

The Chattanooga Chapel is located at 6018 John Douglass Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421