Kyla Jane Massengill Witterman

Kyla Jane Massengill Witterman

Kyla Jane Massengill was born on a beautiful afternoon in Silver City, New Mexico on July 26, 1984 to Jim Massengill and Kelly Ball. We fondly recall the doc trying his best to catch the baby that shot out with a surprise, ready for the world. She started life and ended life with stunning red hair. Kyla’s earthly struggles ended simultaneously with a magnificent red and orange sunset on June 05, 2021 in Aurora Colorado as she patiently waited for the chance at a liver transplant. Standing by her side and holding her tightly were her husband, Jason Witterman, her Dad, and his wife Nibia Torres-Massengill. Her aunt, Mary Jane Fellion, sat by her side as the last few days passed. A special thank you to her godfather, Ed Hughes, who stood by her side throughout her life and watched the boys while she was in Colorado.

Kyla was a precocious child with energy and laughter to spare. She brought joy to our small family and to many friends in Grant, Dona Ana, San Juan, Quay, and Luna Counties. Her life revolved around family, particularly her two boys, Mikal Alan and Jaxon Emil. She was the key to Jaxon’s success when he was diagnosed with Maple Syrup Urine Disease in the first few weeks of his life. They lived at UNM hospital in ICU for more than thirty days. For months after she excelled at the chemistry, math and schedules required to calculate, monitor, and feed a baby at home with a feeding tube and a highly unusual protein diet. She continued to excel when Jaxon was nine months old in San Jose California for his liver transplant that dramatically changed what and how he eats and made him more like every other boy his age. Eight weeks she was away from home, but she was there for Jaxon when he again needed her most. She had a super imagination for making life fun and educational for both Mikal and Jaxon.

She was a natural on horseback. As a tall, lanky, thirteen-year-old she was the end of the year all-around high-point winner in her age group at the Quemado Horse Lovers Association Gymkana series. Peanut and Rebel took her to the winner’s circle.

We recall the many happy times and ask each of you to take a minute and do the same. One particularly stands out as she shone brightly as the secretary at the Tucumcari Elementary School in Tucumcari. She was loved and appreciated by students, parents and faculty and she loved them back. She loved the opportunity and experience.

Kyla leaves an empty spot never to be filled, there is a sadness like no other.

In memory of Kyla, celebrate her life and the love she shared–and I ask humbly that you do so without alcohol.

Dad

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