REMPEL - It is with heavy hearts that the family of Kelli Leigh Rempel announce her sudden passing on Thursday, June 18, 2009, at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. Kelli was born in Swift Current, SK, on January 19, 1981. Shortly after birth, Kelli was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect that required open heart surgery when she was 10 months old. She under went numerous surgeries throughout her life to maintain her health, all of which she faced with a smile on her face and a positive outlook. Kelli graduated from the Swift Current Comprehensive High School and then went on to the Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. Kelli then spent a year studying at Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, BC. Following her schooling, she accepted a calling to be a youth pastor at the Zion Mennonite Church in Swift Current. This was followed by a position at the Carman Mennonite Church in Carman, MB where she served as an associate pastor. During her time in Manitoba, Kelli met many wonderful friends who she remained in close contact with. In 2007, Kelli returned to Saskatoon, SK where she attended Saskatoon Business College to train as a legal assistant. Shortly after her return, she met the love of her life, Jamie Rempel. Kelli and Jamie were married on August 23, 2008, and she was so happy to have found her soul mate. Kelli’s faith in God was one of the most important things to her and she lived her life daily in God’s trust. Kelli’s life journey has ended, and she is now at peace where she always wanted to be, in God’s arms. Kelli was predeceased by her grandmother, Anne Downey, and her grandfather Edmond Smith; her great grandparents, Orrin and Helen Downey; as well as several favorite great aunts, Alice Brown, Bessie Ledingham and Dorothy Smith. She is survived by her loving husband, Jamie Rempel; her mother, Alice Smith; brothers, Brett and Jarrett Downey; her father, Lyle Downey and wife Edith; grandmother, Nellie Smith, grandfather,r Zene Downey; uncle Jim Smith; uncle Dan (Norine) Downey and children, Kyle, Laura and Emily; uncle Lorne Downey; and her godmother, Diane Rittinger. She is also remembered by her mother-and-father-in-law, Don and Charlene Rempel; brothers-in-law, Michael Rempel, and Chris (Kristy) Rempel and their children, Kori-Lynn and Ethan; grandparents Cornelius and Anne Friesen; and grandmother, Mary Rempel. She also leaves behind many loving friends. A service to honor Kelli’s memory was held Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. from Nutana Park Mennonite Church, 1701 Ruth Street, Saskatoon, SK, with Anita Retzlaff and Patrick Preheim officiating. Interment followed at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations in Kelli’s name may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan (279 Third Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 2H8). Arrangements entrusted to Hillcrest Funeral Home, (306) 477-4400