Our Wonder Woman, Kelly Vargas, 43, of Ukiah, CA, passed away on March 24, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with glioblastoma (GBM).

Kelly was born on May 29, 1979 to Renee and Bill Wester in Ukiah, California. As a child, Kelly was rambunctious and outgoing. She loved getting into the kitchen cabinets, riding her hot wheel, bike, and playing with baby dolls. She loved to join her Grandma Houx and Aunt Betty whenever they would go shopping. One time she came home in a big pink floppy hat that they bought for her. She loved it so much that she'd wear it everywhere she went. As her mother says, "Kelly was my happy, sweet daughter. She was always happy, made friends wherever she went, and was kind and loving to her family." In junior high, she met many lifelong friends including Heidi Thompson. Together they embarked on many unmentionable adventures that included a great deal of mischief and laughter. During her high school years, she could be found hanging out at friends’ houses, school dances, and maybe even getting her first tattoo. She was also on the color guard team for the marching band and  participated in many parades including the Victoria Day parade in British Columbia, Canada. 

In 1996, Kelly was blessed with her first born child, Michela, who taught her about love at first sight and about the most important job of her life, being a mother. After graduating from Ukiah High School in 1997, she met Manuel Vargas. They quickly fell in love, had their first child Nicolas in 1998, and married in 2000.

The year 2000 prompted many changes for their growing family. Manuel enlisted in the Navy,  they welcomed their second son Manny in 2001, moved to Port Hueneme in 2002, and then welcomed their daughter Alyana in 2003. In the following years, they completed their family with their youngest daughter Lilia in 2007.

From then on, she dedicated her life to being a fantastic, fun-loving mom and wife.

Kelly supported her five children through their many passions (baseball/softball, concerts, singing, sports, etc.) and found immense joy in hosting birthday and holiday parties (especially the 4th of July).

Kelly is loved beyond measure and will be missed dearly. She will be remembered for her sense of adventure, ability to live life to the fullest, her infectious laugh, love of practical jokes, dancing, Disney (and Disneyland), helping others, and love of her family. 

Kelly is survived by Manuel Vargas (husband), Michela (daughter), Nicolas (son), Manny (son), Alyana (daughter), and Lilia (daughter), Renee and Bill Wester (parents), sister Amy Mandon (Anthony, Madison, Miah), sister Carrie Jennings (Cody, Remee, Sawyer), brother Robert Wester (Christine and Shirley), numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family that cherished her. 

The family extends their deepest appreciation for all who donated to the GoFundMe which made it possible for her to travel to City of Hope to continue her valiant fight against GBM and for family to be by her side through it all. Thanks to all for the outpouring of support through prayers, visits, meals, and more. Special thanks go to UCSF neuro oncology and neurosurgery, City of Hope, Adventist Health Ukiah Valley, Ensign, Ukiah Post Acute, and Aunt Maurine. 

The family requests that all flowers and notes be sent to Eversole Mortuary. There will be a visitation at Eversole Mortuary on Friday, April 21 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm followed by a Celebration of Life in Paradise on Saturday, April 22 at the First Christian Church from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

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