Kaili Mehlberg Mitchell

Kaili Mehlberg Mitchell, beloved mother, partner, daughter, sister and friend passed away on October 30, 2021 in Phoenix. A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at Desert Springs Bible Church in Phoenix.

Kaili was born on June 21,1985 to Steve and Denise (Kryscio) Mehlberg, their beloved firstborn child. She was a happy, somewhat shy child.

Kaili learned to swim at the early age of three and celebrated many birthday pool parties. She loved amusement parks and water parks. Kaili enjoyed cooking and loved eating her own creations. She loved school and was “the rule follower” and was always admired by her teachers. She always had one or two close friends growing up and was very loyal to them.

She doted on her two younger siblings and was like a second mother to them. She treasured family gatherings, birthdays and holidays and continued those traditions in her own family. She professed her faith in Jesus Christ at age nine and was baptized with her younger brother at Desert Springs Bible Church in 1994. She attended services there until age 21.

During elementary and middle school, she played on a club soccer team as a Golden Eagle where they participated in Regional play and won a State Championship. Kaili played outside wing (mid-field) as well as defense and, as a committed athlete, participated in the Olympic Development Training program. The family cheered her on and shared many fond memories of family vacations with the traveling team.

Kaili was very creative and enjoyed art classes in high school. She painted her own room, created tie-dye tee-shirts with her friends and asked for a bedroom make-over for her birthday. She attended Horizon High School but struggled in traditional school. She and her family were so proud when she graduated from Ocotillo High School in 2009.

At age 16, Kaili gave birth to her first son Joseph Raymond Barrett. She wanted what was best for him and placed him in an open adoption into a wonderful Christian family. Kaili, Travis and their families were all blessed to be able to participate in Joey’s life as he grew up and, at age eight, he was able to be in her wedding where she married Travis Mitchell (Joey’s father) in 2010. Kaili and Travis had been together since high school. They both earned their degrees in Respiratory Therapy, working together at Maricopa County Hospital. Kaili loved working with babies in the NICU/PICU units. Kaili and Travis bought a house and lived in Surprise, Arizona for several years until they separated in 2013.

Kaili and her partner Tad had their first son Ryder Michael First in 2014. Kaili was so excited to be a mother since she was not able to raise her firstborn. She thrived in motherhood during those early years and they were so happy to welcome their second son Trevor Steven First in 2016. She loved all three of her boys with her whole heart.

Kaili will be remembered by her vivacious smile and unforgettable laugh. She had a kind and generous nature, always believing the best in people. She was very tender-hearted, although she struggled with her own failures and disappointments. She was loved by many wonderful family and friends who encouraged and lifted her up. When she passed away, she was on the road to recovery and was very hopeful about her future. God brought her home to heaven where she is no longer struggling and at peace with her Savior.

Kaili is survived by children Joseph Barrett (19), Ryder First (7) and Trevor First (5); partner Tad First; parents Steve and Denise Mehlberg; siblings Garrett Mehlberg (Amanda) and Tarah Blazek (Nate); grandparents Polly Mehlberg, Carolyn Mladek (Emil) and Pat Kryscio; niece Nichole Schwartz; friends Travis Mitchell, Kari Blockinger and many other beloved family members and friends.

A celebration of life for Kaili will be held Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Desert Springs Bible Church, 16215 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85032.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ShadowMountainMortuary.com for the Mehlberg Mitchell family.