Kristen Elise Kehl

Kristen Elise Kehl, 38, departed this world unexpectedly and returned to her Heavenly Father on Sunday, January 7, 2024, in St. George, Utah. She was born October 2, 1985, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Troy Auer Kehl and Robin Marie Batchelor Kehl, and is the middle of five daughters. She is the mother of Alizay Troy Reyes, who is her everything. 

Kristen grew up in West Valley City, Utah, throughout her elementary, junior high, and high school years. She attended Hunter High School and graduated at Millcreek High School in St. George, Utah, after her family’s move. She married Josh Reyes and lived in West Jordan, Utah, for many years though they later divorced. She loved her stepson, Jadyn Reyes with all her heart and made him her own.

Kristen was a very hard worker and had a variety of work experience. She worked as a fantastic server at Olive Garden and Chili’s for several years, and as a registrar at various medical facilities, including Primary Children’s Hospital. She also loved working as a sous-chef alongside her sister, Tara, who was head chef at Riverwalk Grill in St. George, Utah. Kristen took the opportunity to pursue further education and completed a dental assistant program at Dental Essentials School of Dental Assisting in St. George, Utah,

Kristen was a person of exceptional beauty, both inside and out, and possessed a myriad of talents, including art, violin, dance, speaking, and writing. She loved being with family and friends, cooking, decorating, going to the beach, collecting seashells and pretty rocks, music, meditating, and spirituality. A dreamer at heart, she was passionately committed to exploring human potential. Her pride as a Libra and her appreciation for celestial signs and mercies from above were constants in her life. She and her daughter collected feathers they happened to come across, in which she believed were love notes left by her deceased sister, Shay.

Kristen was very smart and determined, she could figure anything out. She enjoyed solving little problems, especially for other people. She was very strong-willed with an unwavering heart for what she truly believed. She was a brave warrior devoted in her strength to fight any battle and never ceased to encourage others to do the same. Kristen's resilience manifested through her confident and witty sense of humor, even in the face of adversity. She was the same person to everyone and made friends with ease. She brought vibrancy to every gathering, becoming the heartbeat of any party. Kristen's unique blend of quirkiness and wisdom made her a relatable and cherished family member and friend, always longing to lift spirits and be an overachieving pillar of support. She saw the beauty in everyone and loved fiercely without judgement. She loved her family more than anything and was so honored to be a Kehl.

Kristen nursed every bug, animal, and plant back to health that she possibly could. She had an unwavering spiritual connection to nature and an appreciation for every living thing, which was a nurturing love and compassion she unceasingly instilled in her daughter. Kristen yearned to fulfill her righteous purpose in life and harbored a deep desire to contribute meaningfully to the world, evident in her choice to be an organ donor. Her beautiful eyes, now donated, will provide the gift of sight to two individuals. Kristen touched many hearts throughout her life and will be extremely missed and never forgotten. Her spirit lives on, watching over us in the care of her Heavenly Father. 

Kristen is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Alizay Troy Reyes, father, Troy Kehl (Deborah), mother, Robin Batchelor Kehl, three sisters; Tara Gonzales (Jesse), Aubree Whitney (Zackary), Natalie Patterson (Robert), step-siblings, many nieces and nephews, three grandfathers; Edward Kehl, Terry Batchelor (Lavelle), Lane Bessey, many extended family members, boyfriend, Ryan Brinkerhoff, and her cat, Luna.

She is preceded in death by her sister, Shay Lyn Kehl, cousins, McKay and Preston Myers, three grandmothers: Gloria Kehl, Kathleen Bessey, and Sally Kehl, two aunts, and three uncles. 

We extend an invitation to express your love for Kristen and celebrate her life.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, atSpilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, UT, 84770

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 19, 2024, at 11:00 am, with a viewing prior to services from 9:00 - 10:30 am, also at Spilsbury Mortuary.

Interment will take place in Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S Dixie Dr., St. George, UT 84770. 

Friends and family who are unable to attend the services in person are welcome to view them virtually by clicking the link below:

Video on Demand

We also express our heartfelt gratitude to all of whom have loved Kristen throughout her life and deeply appreciate the outpouring of support during this challenging time as we mourn not only our loss, but the loss of her radiating spirit in your lives as well. 

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, UT, (435) 673-2454

Loved ones are invited to sign Kristen’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com