Kaitlyn was everyone’s favorite friend, favorite cousin and favorite daughter. She had a special gift for making those around her feel loved, valued and accepted. She would stick up for kids who were being bullied and would always be a friend to the lonely. She was honestly loved by all who knew her. Her death has left a deep void in all of our hearts.

Friday, May 1, 2015. The last day I spent time with my daughter. We had a wonderful day at the Payson Temple open house with our extended family members. Kaitlyn loved every second she spent with her family. After the open house, we went to eat dinner together as a family. Kaitlyn and her sister-in-law, Brecca, wanted food from a different restaurant across the parking lot. As Brecca started to drive, Kaitlyn reminded her to “buckle up” despite only moving the car a few hundred feet. Following rules was very important to Kaitlyn and she always wore her seat belt. When we got home, Kaitlyn wanted me to watch TV with her. I was busy cleaning and a little ornery because I had to work a long shift the next day. I wish I could go back and just enjoy being with her and hearing her laugh a little longer. Later that evening, we were sitting outside and Kaitlyn had brought out her yearbooks and she was reminiscing and laughing over the memories. She was texting her friends and seemed to be amused and enjoying herself. As I was getting ready to go out for my evening walk, Kaitlyn was packing to go stay the night with her sister-in-law, Crystal. I told Kaitlyn goodbye as I went out for my walk and this was the last time I saw or spoke to my daughter. The next time I’d see her would be nearly four days later at the mortuary, lying on a gurney.

Saturday, May 2, 2015. I had been at work all day and from what I understand, Kaitlyn had a great day with friends. Her day was spent working at the ball park in the concession stands, then riding ATVs with her friend, Liv. Kaitlyn hung out with her friends that night. As I was getting ready for bed, I sent her a text to let her know the door was unlocked. She was always responsible and I never had to worry about her. I fell asleep and shortly after I heard car doors shut and thought to myself, “Kaitlyn must be home.”  Then there was a knock at the door. I had a very uneasy feeling as my husband went to answer the door. I heard the deputy ask him if he was Kaitlyn’s step-dad and my husband replied that he was. They proceeded to tell him that there had been a crash . . . all I heard was that dreaded word, “deceased.” All I could do was scream, as my world was forever changed. Kaitlyn had been killed in a crash. The driver of the vehicle had swerved to miss a deer and the vehicle rolled off the road into a riverbed. Kaitlyn was not wearing a seat belt. She was ejected from the truck and killed instantly.

I miss her so much! I miss her walking through the front door, lighting up the entire room with her presence. Kaitlyn lived life to the fullest. In junior high she was a cheerleader, the Science Student of the Year, and in the National Jr. Honor Society. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and received her Young Womanhood Recognition before turning 14. She attended Carbon High School where she was active in the drill team, serving as an officer. She excelled in math and science and was a member of the National Honor Society. Her goal was to be the Math Sterling Scholar at Carbon High.

Kaitlyn will always be remembered as a happy, energetic, loving individual who loved serving others. She loved her family and friends more than anything. Kaitlyn loved everyone and was loved by all. She always had a beautiful smile for everyone. Kaitlyn knew to wear her seat belt, but there was one time she didn’t and she was taken from us. Please protect your precious lives and wear a seat belt. Always.