Born in Yakima, WA on May 24th, 1988 to Ken and Paula Eakin (Showman), Kaley grew up in the West Valley area with her loving parents and brother (Jake Eakin). An outdoorsy family that always enjoyed getting out in nature; Kaley spent much of her childhood riding horses, camping, taking care of her animals and spending time with family and friends. Kaley was a determined person, where anything less than an “A” wasn’t good enough. She took that determination into the West Valley school district where she was involved in sports, cheer, drill team and making friends everywhere she went. She made many longtime friends in school, one of which was her eventual husband, Clay Burke. Clay didn’t always know what was good for him but once reconnecting after college, finally figured it out. Kaley received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington while living in the Seattle area where she, as always, made lifelong friends that were like family. After her bachelor’s degree, Clay talked her into moving back to the east side of the mountains. They moved to the Tri-Cities and spent several years there while Clay worked and Kaley, again, excelled at everything she did. She worked for the Girl Scouts and completed her Master’s degree in Strategic Communications and Marketing through Washington State University, forever solidifying her status as a winner in the Apple Cup (which she loved to mention during family gatherings). While working through her graduate degree, Clay got wise and asked her to marry him (thankfully she said yes). Once she completed her graduate degree, she was promoted to Marketing Manager for the Girl Scouts and Kaley and Clay headed north to Spokane. Spokane was a beautiful time. They got married on Lake Coeur D’Alene, bought a house, had 2 beautiful boys, Charlie and Carson, and enjoyed their time as a family. Kaley always had a desire to grow and excel, which brought her talents to OxyFresh in Coeur d’Alene. She grew her skills as a graphic designer and, again, made everyone she met fall in love with her. After Carson was born in 2019, Kaley went out on her own in the career world and started working for herself. Always a creative hard-working person, she started her own wood flower and graphic design business, all while being a non-stop mom and wife. Every job she had and interaction she was in, her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and caring personality was immediately loved by anyone lucky enough to meet and know her.
As their boys got closer to school age, Kaley and Clay made the hard decision to “uproot” in 2022 and bring the family back home. They were fortunate enough to have a huge amount of family and friends to welcome them back and give their boys the chance to spend more time with family. Kaley continued her graphic design work and seemed to never miss a beat as a mom and wife, always giving her entire heart and soul to those around her. Kaley’s selflessness is one of many things that will be missed by everyone around her, that and her knack for always getting the right gift and wrapping it to perfection.
Kaley will be missed. She was a light that will never go out. She lit up every room she entered. Her laugh was one of the most wonderful sounds you could ever hear, and her smile made you happy. She gave amazing hugs, was incredibly gentle in everything she did, and loved fiercely. She was loyal to her friends and family beyond question, was incredibly stubborn, and you always knew she had your back. Every year she looked forward to large family Christmas gatherings, traveling with Clay and her kids, and, of course, surprises. Remember her for everything she did while she was here that brought joy to our lives. Give that joy back to the ones you love and care about. You would certainly hear about it from her if you didn’t.
Kaley is survived by many loved ones. Her husband Clay, sons Charlie (6) and Carson (4), father Ken and stepmother Melanie, mother Paula and stepfather Steve, brother Jake and sister-in-law Sarah, their sons Grant (6), Noah (4) and Cameron (4), father-in-law Vern Burke and mother-in-law Janis, sister-in-law Caiti Burke and brother-in-law Cody, aunts, uncles, numerous cousins, and the greatest group of friends a girl could ask for. She joins her grandparents in heaven who she loved and missed dearly. She is looking down and watching over us all. Love you Kay, we miss you to the moon and back.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Burke family.
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