Kelly Lambson Hill

Kelly Lambson Hill, a cherished member of the Grants, New Mexico community, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, at the age of 60. Born on January 9, 1965, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kelly was a beloved daughter of Jack Lambson and the late Jean Lambson, the third of eight children. From an early age she had an important role in the family and helped take care of the younger siblings. She attended Mount Vernon Academy in Murray, Utah and resided in Salt Lake City for most of her life before moving to New Mexico in 2020.

Kelly's life was a testament to her deep-rooted faith and unwavering commitment to her family, friends, and community. A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she dedicated her time to many callings, often in music, and regularly opened her home to the missionaries for dinner. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, shaping her interactions with everyone she met.

Education was both a passion and a calling for Kelly. She was devoted to helping Mount Vernon Academy succeed and helped run the school in many capacities for several years. This led to a love for teaching children to read, and she became a gifted and treasured kindergarten teacher at Mount Vernon. She loved kids. As an adult, she went back to school, earning a bachelor’s degree from BYU-Idaho followed by a master's degree in Special Education from University of the Southwest. She worked as a special education instructor in Ramah, NM and most recently as a reading intervention specialist at the Haak’u Community Academy on the Acoma Pueblo. She loved the Acoma community and attended many community events. Her dedication to teaching was evident in her relationships with her students, whom she inspired to pursue their own educational goals. Kelly was particularly passionate about encouraging women to continue their education, serving as a role model and mentor to many.

Kelly started working early in life, having many jobs to support herself and her family, including waitressing and home-decor sales. Before her career in education, Kelly was a successful entrepreneur, starting a greeting card business and owning an antique store, experiences that showcased her dedication, creativity and ingenuity. She never shied away from hard work, exemplifying true strength and grit.

Kelly's home was always a haven of warmth and hospitality. While in Utah, she hosted and took care of many international students over the years hailing from China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Brazil, Finland, Nigeria, and Mexico. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved to bring the family together. Organizing family reunions at her home in Grants or the Utah mountains was a highlight in her life. Her deep connection to family roots and love of family history was evident as she shared the rich tapestry of her family's past with those around her. This connection was what ultimately led her to living in New Mexico--a land where many of her ancestors are from.

Kelly was known for her loving nature, kindness to everyone, and her ability to make people feel welcome. Because of her own hardships in life, she loved people, especially the ones that others didn't see. Family was at the heart of Kelly’s life. Her devotion as a mother, grandmother and aunt was unparalleled, and her fun-loving spirit made her a joy to be around. She worked tirelessly across various roles, always with a smile and an encouraging word. She loved music and nature, passing these on to her three children and six grandchildren, going on many adventures with them.

Kelly is survived by her father, Jack Lambson, and her siblings, Jeff, Mike, Marty, Wesley, and Stacey Richards. She was predeceased by her mother, Jean, and brothers, Roger and Scott. Her legacy is carried forward by her daughters Toni Schmitt Van Orman, Jessica Stults, and Heidi Hill, six grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who will remember her as a loving, kind, and fun individual with a deep-rooted faith and a welcoming spirit.

The family would like to express their immense gratitude to the ICU staff at Rust Presbyterian for their excellent care and kindness during Kelly's final days.

Kelly’s life was a testament to the power of faith, love, and family. Her influence will be felt for generations, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Services will be held Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Chapel in Grants, New Mexico

Viewing 10:00-10:45 a.m.

Interment: Ramah Cemetery