It is with deep heartache and sorrow that we announce the passing of Kellie Murphy, 65, of Boulder Creek, CA. Kellie transitioned away on August 19th after a warrior’s battle with cancer. She was surrounded by immense love and light in the mountains and redwoods with her beloved dogs and her “Bramphy” Family.

Kellie was born on December 16th, 1959, in Castroville, CA to Pat (Bissett) and John Bellone. She graduated from North Salinas High School in 1978, attended Hartnell College, and then went on to Sacramento State University. Kellie later received her MBA from Golden Gate University after she’d begun her life-long career at MBS Business Systems, based in Salinas.

While MBS was not the teaching career she imagined, it was one she poured her heart, soul, and business mastery into for over 40 years. MBS eventually became her own company 18 years ago, and Kellie consistently led a culture of encouragement, partnership, business ethics, and strategy to support the thousands of community customers associated with MBS. She was a fierce and bold woman leader in a predominantly male industry.

Kellie lived a life filled with travel, ongoing laughter, friendship, love, the outdoors, and her animal children. She was an avid mountain biker and often traveled the country to do rides with her friends. She will be remembered always for her generosity, pure kindness, and strength. Her dedication to the well-being of animals will remain forever inspirational.

Kellie is survived by her life partner, Michelle Brill, and their Mountain family with Havanah, Brody, and their four-legged pack of Purzilla, Alice, Henry, Seamus, Sequoia, and Claire. Kellie is also survived by her brother, Dan Bellone and numerous cousins and life-long friends/sisters who loved her very much and walked by her side since high school. A rare gift that she was always grateful for.

Kellie was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Murphy, her parents Pat Bissett and John (Christine) Bellone, her nephew Max Bellone, and her canine children, Lacey, Chauncey, Kasey, Patrick, Bentley, Molly, Cody, and Bella (her Mom’s dog she had in her home for many years). There was never a question that all who walked before her were waiting to shower her with love as she walked through the door to her next space with them.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 17th from 2:00 – 5:00 at Portabello’s on Main in Salinas.

Kellie’s loved ones welcome anyone who would like to share memories, and honor her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Unchained and South County Animal Rescue