Kelli Nicole Larsen Despain

Kelli Nicole Despain (Larsen) was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 4,1979 and passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved her on December 4, 2024. 

When Kelli was 9, her family moved to Oakley, Utah. She was proud of her small town roots and loved “the sweet smell of sunshine.” She loved holidays--planning for them, hosting “over-the-top” events around them, and celebrating traditions. Some of her favorite traditions included the July 4th world-famous Oakley rodeo and parade. She boasted often to friends who had no idea where Oakley was about her family's awards for best parade floats, which she of course designed and constructed. 

Kelli loved to brag that she graduated twice in one year–with a degree in political science from Brigham Young University and a degree from the cosmetology program at Salt Lake Community College. Kelli married Jared Despain over 22 years ago, and together they enjoyed traveling, hitting 4 continents and over 25 countries. Kelli’s pride and joy are the three amazing children who call her mom. She was a devoted volunteer at their schools, made every birthday an occasion and gave them an opportunity to see the world. 

Kelli and Jared moved to Las Vegas in 2008. Kelli's talents and interests were many and if she could dream it she could do it, whether that was designing award winning logos, screen printing original designs onto a variety of mediums, or even oil painting her beloved Utah landscapes. With a keen eye towards beautiful details, she became a graphic designer and event planner, creating and opening two thriving small businesses in the Vegas Valley: Moxie Ink, her graphic design company and Bottega Exchange, a beloved event and co-working space in the Southwest part of Las Vegas. More than just a small business, Bottega became a gathering spot where Kelli founded Creators Unite, a group of Las Vegas entrepreneurs dedicated to collaborating, sharing best practices and building community. 

She was an active volunteer in the Las Vegas Valley, serving as president of the parent organization of Doral Academy, lending her time and talent to local political and community organizations including Battle Born Progress, AAUW, Baby's Bounty, Las Vegas Breast Cancer Warriors, and Project Marilyn. 

Kelli was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2022 and bravely fought to pack as much living into her life as possible. She utilized her story as a platform to share, support, and offer strength through her vulnerability with others going through similar journeys. She said "the perspective that terminal cancer gives is to realize how lucky I have been to call so many people family and friends, to look back on my travel adventures, to reminisce with gratitude, to have been able to make mistakes and learn from them, to have had the opportunity to live my life the way I chose. Cancer knocked me down but it also gave me some much needed time to reflect and use whatever time I have left to make the most out of everyday."

Taken far too soon, at just age 45, she is survived by her husband Jared, her three children, Ashton, Claire and Oliver, her mother Diane Larsen (Koehler) and father Wally Larsen, mother-in-law Ranell (Mark Teerlink), father-in-law Mark Despain (Jeanie), siblings Jaren (Kari), Loni (Andrew), Randi (Tyler), Taylor, Danielle (Justin), Whittney (Liss), Parker (Nichole), Garrett (Jessica), 24 nieces and nephews and countless friends and a cherished community of women entrepreneurs, all who call Kelli their hero. 

A viewing will be held Wednesday, December 11th from 6pm-9pm at The Red Barn 4300 State Road 32 in Oakley, UT. The funeral service will also be held at The Red Barn on Thursday, December 12th at 11:30am. A livestream will be provided by Crandall Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at Bottega Exchange 6675 South Tenaya, Suite 200 in Las Vegas on Thursday, December 19th at 6:00pm. 

Her family wishes to thank all of Kelli's dedicated doctors, nurses and caregivers. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to fund a cure for breast cancer at Metastatic Breast Cancer Collaborative Research Initiative through the Komen Foundation or donating a wig (Kelli's favorite accessory, even before cancer) to Las Vegas Breast Cancer Warriors.