Krista Leann Jeli October 10, 1961 - June 7, 2009 CANBY

Krista Leann Jeli lost her life after a 17 year struggle with breast cancer. She passed away on June 7, 2009 in her home in Canby with family members at her bedside.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 30, she committed herself to cancer research fundraising. She was involved with the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure and was a founding member of the Canby Relay For Life where she was chairman and treasurer. She gave talks about cancer, appeared in a commercial for the Cancer Society, and was a delegate to a cancer relay in Washington D.C. in 2006.

Krista was born October 10, 1961 in Silverton. She grew up on the family farm in the Marquam area, attended Butte Creek Grade School and graduated from Molalla High School and Portland State University.

She married Brian Jeli on March 15, 1980 in Marquam and became the mother of three sons. They were married for 21 years.

She is survived by her sons, Dillon, Alex and Nick all of Canby; her parents, Fred and Ruth Kaser of Marquam; sister, Rachel Kaser of Silverton; brothers, Andrew Kaser of Portland and Matthew and his wife Diane of Sublimity; grandmother, Edith Kaser of Silverton; her special friend, Matt McGary of Portland; former husband, Brian Jeli of Canby; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Krista worked as Director of Finance and Administration for the Oregon Association of Nurseries in Wilsonville. She was involved in many activities at Ninety One School where her boys attended grade school and was an avid skier. She was a kind, loving, and brave woman who was admired by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

Private graveside services will be held at Maplewood Cemetery in Scotts Mills. A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 13 at Ninety One Elementary School, 5811 S. Whiskey Hill Road, Hubbard.

Memorial donations can be made in her name to the American Cancer Society, 0330 S.W. Curry St., Portland, Ore. 97239.