Kelley Brooks

Kelley Brooks, lobbyist, owner of racehorses, friend extraordinaire and devoted daughter left this life on Tuesday afternoon, April 26, 2022.

Kelley was born in Sherman, Texas, October 13, 1969, to Douglas McArthur Brooks and Becky (Earnhart) Brooks. Kelley lived life with great intensity. Whether she was working for an issue at the Capitol or trying to help a friend, she was always a force of nature and not easily dissuaded once she put her mind to something. After her K-12 years in Texas, Kelley moved to Colorado where she received a B.A. in mass media and communications from Western State College in Gunnison.

She became a partner in her mother’s lobbying firm of Stealey II, Inc., in November of 2000. In addition to her lobbying activities, she was also engaged in political campaigns, both for candidates and issue initiatives. Always an animal lover, her avocation was horseracing. She spent most of her time during the summer and fall months following the racing circuit in New Mexico with frequent trips to Denver to take care of her home and clients of the firm.

Kelley was preceded in death by her father, grandparents, Marvin and Hazel Brooks and Herman Hugh and Faye Ragsdale; aunt, Mary Sells and uncle, M.H. Brooks.

She is survived by her mother, step-father, Myron Klingensmith of Denver; uncle, Charlie (Sandy) Earnhart of Austin, TX and four cousins- Todd Earnhart, Monty Sells, Scotty Sells and Ricky Brooks. She is also survived by her constant companions and biggest fans—Punch and Sis (her Corgi-mix dogs) and current horses, Perfect Fanny and Caucus Rules.

Kelley waged a 12-year battle with breast cancer but was determined to never let it define her and hamper her from living and loving life to its fullest. Her ashes will be scattered at her favorite place on earth, the family lake house at Lake LBJ in Texas.

A Celebration of Life is being will be held on June 17, 2022, at 2 p.m. in the Old Supreme Court Chambers in the state Capitol. Memorials in Kelley’s honor should be to the charity of choice or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Denver Dumb Friends League .