Kelli L. Naumann

Kelli Lucille Naumann, 46, of Powell, Ohio, died suddenly and peacefully at her home on August 10, 2026.

Born on December 5, 1979, in Westerville, Ohio, to Bill and Phyllis Eltzroth, Kelli became a bold, compassionate woman whose faith, warmth, and conviction touched countless lives.

Above all, Kelli was completely devoted to her son, Dax. She helped homeschool him, served as a field trip coordinator for their homeschool cooperative, and opened his world to new people, cultures, and experiences. Her deepest hope was that he would grow into a mature, joyful, godly, and well-rounded young man.

Kelli’s life was profoundly transformed by her relationship with God. Her brother, who knew her from the day she was born, describes it as one of the most dramatic transformations he has ever witnessed: a shy, insecure girl who worked hard to please others became a strong woman of compassion, confidence, and deeply rooted conviction. Kelli credited that change to God’s love and grace, which placed faith at the center of her life and gave her a longing for everyone she loved to know Him as she did.

Her friends remember Kelli as happy, bubbly, authentic, encouraging, and wonderfully fun. She made them laugh, put them at ease, and made each person feel valued. She stood up for underdogs, always made room for others, and formed connections that drew families, friends, and communities together. During difficult seasons, friends turned to Kelli for her careful listening, honest perspective, and loving guidance. More than one said she helped change the course of their life.

Her family remembers Kelli as the glue that held them together. She called, planned, invited, and made sure they gathered. In her home, she came alive—starting conversations, planning games, and making each person feel included and loved. She fought for relationships, invested in family members throughout their lives, and warmly welcomed the people they loved. Kelli was often the reason the family came together at all.

Kelli absolutely adored her husband, Newell, but he regards her as the true hero of their family. He sees her love and kindness living on in Dax and credits her with carrying him through one of the hardest seasons of his life, never leaving his side, and helping lead him back to the Lord. In his words, God blessed him beyond measure by bringing Kelli into his life. He also sees her love reflected in the homeschool community now surrounding him and Dax with strength and support—a community responding to them with the same kindness Kelli so freely gave to each of them.

Kelli is survived by her husband, Newell Naumann; their nine-year-old son, Dax; her brothers, Mike and Jeff Lentz, and their families; her extended family; lifelong friends Amanda Foster, Catrina Kelley, and Michele Gade; and her cherished homeschool community.

Kelli would have wanted her death to bring life and hope to others. She was famously obsessed with hot pink—a color as bold and vibrant as her personality—and would be honored to see people wearing bright colors in celebration of her life. Her family finds comfort in the faith that transformed her and in her enduring legacy of generosity, joy, and love.

Service Information
Visitation will be from 11:00-1:00, followed by the memorial service starting at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, at Moreland Funeral Home, 55 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, Ohio. Interment to follow at Blendon Central Cemetery.