Kayla Marie Burke

The earth did not shake and thunder did not roll, but on May 23, 1995 there was a curious sense in the air of Juneau, Alaska as never before. God’s gift had been delivered, received by Sam and Shanna Burke, and a journey of amazing wonderment began.

From the beginning, Kayla was full of mischief and excitement. No room for curls or ribbons or bows. It was G.I. Joe all the way, alongside Samuel, her brother and forever best friend. She copied and followed everything he did. They would trade secrets and funny faces in the back seat of the car, role play their favorite comic book characters together, and every night it was a slumber party. They were never apart.

Kayla’s passion was life and her language was art. From doodles and sketches to award-winning paintings, they all left you speechless. She had talent comparable to no other, with imagination and vision beyond her space and time. “No erasers allowed,” was her way of saying: Let your mistakes become your masterpieces.

Kayla’s sense of style was uniquely her own and duplicated by none. From blonde hair to brunette with every color of the rainbow in between, Kayla knew how to work it. She was a kaleidoscope: stunning and beautiful and different with every move. With an antique piece of jewelry, a second hand find and shoes she couldn’t possibly afford, Kayla could combine them with flawless makeup, perfect (or messy) hair, apply her one-of-a-kind smile, and be ready for the cover of Vogue magazine. She could draw a cat eye like nobody’s business and the color on her lips was always the product of her own creativity. She was always, simply, gorgeous.

Kayla was an incredibly giving person. She gave of her time, her talents, her words, and her opinions. She was real. Real to the point, real to the conversation and real to every emotion. She would create her own path by taking the predictable and turning it upside down. She was a loving person, always teaching you to love yourself first, with no inhibitions or regrets. She loved so hard and intense it would take your breath away, but it would also be the good night you needed before every sleep. She was contagious in every fashion. Her laugh, her presence, her world were all ten times larger than her petite little frame. Unique to every person she met, Kayla always left a piece of herself behind: love notes to her people, treats for her dogs, pennies from her pocket for strangers to find.

Kayla was uncensored and her filter button was in a constant state of malfunction, but she lived her life without limitations. She loved without boundaries and accepted without judgement.

Kayla was rescued by our God on December 25, 2016. Her memory will live on in the minds and hearts of so many. As you continue to walk your path without her, keep an eye on the sidewalk. She may have left a penny for you.

Kayla's Celebration of Life will be Saturday, January 7 from 3pm to 5pm at the Canyon View Vineyard Church 736 24 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81505. The family has asked that friends and family dress casually. And girls, wear your brightest lipstick! In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Kayla's name to the Central High School Art Department 550,Warrior Way, Grand Junction,CO,81504.