Kelli Kay Owens (née Ferguson) was born on June 17, 1958, in Giles County, Tennessee, to Robert “Pete” Wayne Ferguson and Rita Faye Thomas (née Shelton). She was raised lovingly by her maternal grandparents, Jack and Marjorie Shelton, as well as, her mother and stepfather, J C Thomas, who became a primary father figure for her. She and her sister were raised in Ardmore, attending church at Ardmore United Methodist. Kelli attended Ardmore Elementary School for her first four years of school, then transferred to Blanche School for the remainder of her time in grade school and graduated from Blanche School in 1976. After graduating from high school, Kelli went on to complete some college coursework at both Calhoun Community College and the University of Alabama in Huntsville, broadening her knowledge and perspective. She began her career as an office employee and manager and later found her stride as a fitness instructor.
Kelli will be remembered for her boundless energy, sharp wit, and personality as vibrant as the aerobics classes she led for over 20 years. She had a passion for fitness, matched only by her love of bread, desserts, and a well-timed trip to Dairy Queen. Notably, she held a lifelong disdain for tiramisu. A natural collector, Kelli took special joy in finding the perfect glassware, collectable dolls, Christmas decorations and nativity scenes. She dabbled in creative hobbies like scrapbooking and cross-stitching when the mood struck, balanced by quiet evenings curled up with a thriller novel or her favorite episodes of Criminal Minds. While she could be quite talkative, she also enjoyed quiet moments at home. She enjoyed taking day trips to visit family members and longer trips to the beach.
Kelli is survived by her husband, Samuel Frederick “Fritz” Owens; daughters, Ashley King Harbin (Chad) and Kristen Elayne Strickland (Jonathan); granddaughters, Harper Ann Harbin and Jenna Kaye Harbin; sister, Rebecca Yant (Dan); and nephew, Daniel Yant (Candice). She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Jack Shelton (“Daddy Jack”); her maternal grandmother and primary caregiver, Marjorie Shelton (“Mama Margie”); her stepfather, J C Thomas; and her mother, Rita Faye Thomas.
A service to honor Kelli’s life and memory will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home (2320 Bob Wallace Avenue SW, Huntsville, AL 35805). Kelli will be cremated, and this service will not include a viewing or open casket, though her urn will be present. The family will welcome friends and loved ones for informal visitation between 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, for those who may need to come and go quickly or prefer a quieter moment of connection. A brief memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM, with reflections shared by her son-in-law, Jonathan Strickland, and her daughter, Kristen Strickland. Following the service, those who wish to share a few words or memories with the immediate family are welcome to do so as they exit the funeral home.
