In Loving Memory of Savanna Barbara Kelly-Derech 

2009 – 2026 

With our hearts broken beyond words, we announce the passing of Savanna Barbara Kelly-Derech, at the age of 17, surrounded by the people who loved her most. 

She will be forever loved and deeply missed by her mother, Carla Kelly; her father, Jason Derech; her brother, Marcus Kelly-Derech; her maternal grandparents, Barbara and Stephen Kelly; her paternal grandparents, Margaret Dutton and Robert (Darlene) Derech; and her many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, teammates, coaches, and countless friends who became family. 

Savanna fought a courageous battle with leukemia, showing strength that amazed everyone around her. She never lost the spirit that made her so uniquely Savanna. Though her life was far too short, the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the memories she created will last forever. 

Savanna was a bright light in the lives of everyone who knew her. She had a radiant smile that could light up a room and a warmth that made people feel welcome and loved. She was compassionate, kind, and always willing to listen. She had a way of making people feel that they mattered, and she turned friendships into family. 

An athlete at heart, Savanna had an incredible passion for life, adventure, and the outdoors. Her first love was skiing and snowboarding. From the age of just 18 months, when her dad first took her onto the slopes, she was hooked. The hill became one of her happiest places, filled with friends, laughter, and memories she treasured deeply. Her friendships with Logan, Leah, Abby, and so many others meant the world to her. 

But the outdoors meant so much more than skiing. She loved camping, quadding, riding motorcycles, fishing, and simply being outside with the people she loved. She loved the quiet moments on the water, the excitement of a catch, and the joy of sharing those experiences with others. Savanna loved teaching what she knew—whether it was fishing, trying something new, or simply encouraging someone to enjoy the moment. She was patient, encouraging, and happiest when others were learning and laughing alongside her. 

She loved the freedom of exploring, getting a little dirty, and making memories along the way. Whether on the trails, around a campfire, on the water, riding a quad or motorcycle, or on the slopes, Savanna was happiest surrounded by adventure, laughter, and the people she loved. These are the moments that will forever remind us of her wild, free, and adventurous spirit. 

Savanna’s love of sports also found a home on the volleyball court. She began her volleyball journey as a Composite Miner, under the direction of Hannah Forget, where she discovered both a love for the game and the joy of belonging to a team. Volleyball gave her friendships that became lifelong and a community that meant so much to her. 

She later continued with club volleyball, becoming part of the Three Rivers Volleyball Club family, under the direction of Kory Cheshire. There, Savanna once again found her people. She built strong bonds, welcomed new friendships, and became part of a community that meant so much to her. 

Savanna lived with a spirit that was bigger than her years. She loved deeply, laughed freely, competed fiercely, and made memories wherever she went. She had dreams still waiting to be lived, places still waiting to be explored, and so much more love to give. Her absence leaves a space that can never be filled. 

She had a gift for bringing people along with her. Whether teaching someone to fish, helping on the slopes, sharing something she had learned, or encouraging a friend to try something new, Savanna loved seeing others succeed. She didn’t keep joy to herself—she shared it, giving others confidence, laughter, and memories they will carry forever. 

So when you go on your next adventure, remember to say her name. Take her with you into the mountains, onto the trails, around the campfire, onto the water, onto the slopes, and wherever life takes you. Cast a line for her. Teach someone something she taught you. Laugh a little louder, make a memory, and live a little freer—just as Savanna did. She will live on in all of you. 

To know Savanna was to love her. To have been loved by Savanna was a gift. 

Although her time with us was far too short, Savanna’s light will never go out. It lives on in the mountains she loved, on the slopes, on the water, on the trails, around the campfires, on the volleyball courts where she played, in the friendships she cherished, in the lessons she shared, in the hearts of her family, and in every person fortunate enough to have known her. 

Rest peacefully, our beautiful Savanna. Mom desperately misses you and our cuddles together.

You fought so hard. You were so deeply loved. You will never, ever be forgotten. 

Forever our girl. Forever in our hearts. Forever 17. 

Thank you to everyone for joining us in her Celebration of Life