"Patty, I?m so very sorry for your loss "
In loving memory of
Kayla Rae Whitten
July 23, 1987 - May 19, 2020
Kayla Rae Whitten was born on July 23, 1987 in New Brunswick, New Jersey and passed away on May 19, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Kayla was a vibrant, loving young lady who loved her family and friends.
She especially loved her birthdays, books, movies, attending the Renaissance Festival, Phoenix- Fan Fusion, drawing pictures, and going to Disney for Harry Potter. She was a member of the Young Adult Autism Society group of Greater Phoenix - North Valley division.
Kayla was a graduate of the Pinnacle High School class of 2005. After High School she worked as a courtesy clerk at Fry's grocery store for 8 years. She was most recently employed at SSP in the food preparation area.
Kayla's greatest love was her family. Her older brother Keith was her biggest fan and she was his. Every summer, Kayla's birthday was celebrated as a large family event. She was surrounded by all her family for those celebrations. When her family lived in New Hampshire, everyone would drive there and celebrate together. As she got older and her family moved to Arizona, she would fly back to Central New York in July and be treated like a queen. Aunt Susie had the party at her house. This year's theme was to be Frozen 2. While in New York she stayed a few days with her Aunt Julie and Uncle Richard watching movies and then spent days with her grandparents and other aunts and uncles doing activities like going to the movies, hanging out at the Destiny Mall, shopping at BoxLunch with her Aunt Tina, and visiting with her cousins from Utica, New York.
She loved going there it was a special time for her. Her Grandpa and Grandma took special care of her even though she would say she was watching them. She loved all of her aunts and uncles; Aunt Susie, Aunt Tina; Aunt Julie, Aunt Lisa, and her uncles; Uncle Richard, Uncle Anthony, Uncle John, and her cousins; Whitney, Kirkland, Joey, and Alexis.
They all made her feel so loved and special all of her life.
Kayla is survived by her parents, Patte and Gary, her older brother Keith (and Erin, his wife). In addition, two sets of grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Putrelo of North Syracuse, New York, and Mr. and Mrs. Chester Whitten Jr, of Milford, New Hampshire, along with all of her aunts, uncles, and cousins. And a huge extended family in Utica, New York who loved her dearly.
Kayla was the best daughter any parent could ask for. She was deeply loved, and will be missed forever.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, at https://phxautism.org/
Tributes
"Dear Pattie,Kieth and Gary. God Bless you always, i cant imagine going through this,so I?m keeping you in my strongest prayers. She was a gift from God to all who loved her."
"Dear Pattie,Kieth and Gary. God Bless you always, i cant imagine going through this,so I?m keeping you in my strongest prayers. She was a gift from God to all who loved her."
"Patte, Gary, Keith and the rest of my whole truly beloved family in the States. I want to offer my deepest condolences and I am so sorry for your loss of Kayla and am truly saddened by the news. Kayla was and is really very special and beloved. Always when I saw and talked to her grandparents they told me warm hearted stories about Kayla's visits full of love and happiness. Added with the wonderful stories I heard from her aunts and uncles when I was in the States. She made everyone happy and everyone was looking forward seeing her again. I will cherish the many photos her grandparents shared with me capturing the happy moments full of joy and happiness with her grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and cousins. It is impossible not to gain a place in my heart getting to know Kayla by the stories of her family. My thoughts and prayers will always be with you all. God bless. Love, cousin Angela."
"My condolences to Kayla?s family, friends, and coworkers. Many lovely words about her that are a very small glimpse into her brightness and joy. May peace be found in the many wonderful memories of her joyous life. Sincerely, Phyllis Raynor Surrett (friend of Tina?s)"
"What beautiful tributes to a remarkable young woman who impacted so many in her too-short life. Wishing peace to all those she loved and who will carry on her spirit. Forever young."
"Patte, Gary, Keith, my deepest sympathy goes out to you. Our beautiful loving families are all heartbroken with the loss of such a sweet loving girl. I always enjoyed Kayla visiting us at camp with her nana and papa. She loved spending time with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins when she was in New York. Kayla will always have a special place in all our hearts. We love u Kaya, RIP. Judy Guarno and family."
"We so loved Kayla and everything she brought to us. We looked forward to seeing her each year and the trips to museums, Renaissance Fairs, parks and other attractions; which we enjoyed so much because of her. She made these things so special for us. Beside our trips, it was just so nice to have her around drawing her pictures, or suprising us with the various movies that she would bring for us to watch with her. Kayla's ability to see something in a way that no one else could; and so perfectly and uniquely describe a situation or offer sage advice was truly amazing and wonderful. Kayla you will always be remembered; and we will be forever thankful for all that you gave to us, and to everyone else that had the good fortune to be near you. Love Uncle Richard and Aunt Julie"
"It is hard to find words to say that will ease the pain of those closest to dear, sweet Kayla. I am so thankful to the family for creating the most recent opportunities we had to spend time together as a family with Kayla, both in person and virtually! Keeping all of you in my thoughts and praying for peace during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace sweet Kayla ????? Love, Carrie, Adam, & Kai"
"I am going to miss barbecuing this July for Kayla. We loved hosting her birthday party, It was the highlight of every summer. And our two little kitties, Cahill and especially Winnie who Kayla loved, will miss her special treatment. Kayla always reminded us of our duty to take care of the kitties. I loved being called Uncle John, Kayla! Thank you for being a shining star in our life. We love you! "
"Kayla is an angel; she was when we were all blessed with her presence on this Earth, and she is now in the Heavens above. My heart breaks for the tremendous loss that is being felt by so many. I can?t imagine the broken heartedness of losing a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a niece. I know the loss of a cousin hurts enough. My prayers are with everyone who is mourning this tragedy. Let us not forget the gifts Kayla left us, whether they were literal gifts or beautiful lessons of life. Love and light. Rest In Peace Angel ??"
"Kayla is definitely an angel in heaven sending love and strength to her loved ones left behind! We enjoyed spending time with her beautiful smile and shining personality at the family parties. We were so very lucky to see Kayla at her grandparents anniversary party and in a zoom party recently! Kayla will always hold a place in my heart and my love and prayers go out to my special cousins whom I love so dearly! Love, cousin Donna"
"Aunt Susie Our family loved Kayla so very much, she is a treasure ! I have said it before, we learned far more from Kayla than she ever learned from us! She had a wealth of knowledge , knowing so many facts in a range of subjects ! She would amaze us! She knew what she was talking about!!Kayla would carry her Simba under one arm and her book bag with 10 books under the other arm ! We will miss her forever and always. The heavens received a special angel and our family will be forever changed. You will be with us forever in our hearts with all of the memories of fun we had together. Kayla, I know you will use one of your magic wands and wave it over this family to take care of everyone, especially your mother!! That is just in your nature . God bless you ! and may perpetual life shine upon you. I LOVE YOU ALWAYS !"
"Kayla was kind and loving. She was an amazing niece with so many talents. Taken earlier than anyone would have expected, but lives on in our family's hearts. We love you Kayla and miss you. "
"I wish we could take the pain away of the sudden loss of Kayla from your loving family. May you soon find peace in the wonderful memories you have shared."
"So sorry for your loss. Sending much love. Margo"
"I am so sorry Patte and Gary, Keith and your entire family. My heart goes out to you all. May her memory be a blessing. Sending comfort and love to all. Suzi Abramson-Johnson "