Gwendallen Rose Koepke was born on March 23, 2004, in Fallon, Nev., to Cindy Koepke and Brandon Kelly.

She was a quiet, shy little girl until she got to know you, then look out, she would become a fun and quirky goofball. Gwen was a strong Christian that grew up in church, her light and love always shined through. She attended Logos Christian Academy in Fallon, from K- 8th grade. Her 9th and 10th grades were at Oasis Academy in Fallon, and she finished High School at Steptoe Valley High School in Ely, Nev. 

She loved all animals and owned horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, goats, and pet steers that she broke to ride. She was active in FFA on various teams and competed in many competitions. Gwen was also a founding youth member of the High Desert Grange. The highlight of every year was going to Rodeo Bible Camp in Oregon from the time she was in diapers, to riding her bike with friends, to participate in the camp, and this last year to be a full-time volunteer. She even wanted to buy property in Tygh Valley. 

Gwen participated in Junior Rodeos and competed in Trail Trials with her horses. She was a very hard worker no matter how hard the job was. Her most recent adventure was working at Schott Ag Air in Burns, where she was in the process of getting her pilots license and working with the Schott family on their farm and ranch.

Gwen returned home on Dec. 19, 2023. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She made life fun. Gwen is proceeded in death by her father, Brandon Kelly; and her grandmother, Cherry Rosenlund Knight. She is survived by her mother, Cindy Koepke Kelly; brothers, Ty (Darlene) Kelly and Justis (Isabel) Kelly; four nephews and one niece. Her grandparents, Doug and Joyce Koepke, Tom and Diana Gonzalez. Along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, her boyfriend, Jaden, and friends that called Gwen family. 

A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 1 p.m., in Orovada, Nev., at the Orovada Community Center on Rock Creek Road.