Khelsey Lynnette Alcaya

Khelsey Lynette Alcaya, of Centralia, Wash., gained her wings in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at OHSU Hospital in Portland, Ore., following a courageous 2-year battle with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that metastasized and attacked her body. She was just 30 years old.

Khelsey was born Tuesday, April 26, 1994, to her loving parents, Theron Minor and Odessa Clanin- Wallenborn. This fussy little girl weighed 6 lbs. 8 oz., and was the oldest of their four children. Khelsey loved her entire family and was especially close to her ‘Irish Twin,’ Kaylah, who was born just 10 months after Khelsey. When her baby brother came along, she thought he was the coolest thing since sliced bread; likely because he was just as adventurous and nosy a toddler as she was. It should be noted that their sisters, Kennah and Kaylah, were the ‘girly- girls’ until they got older and became just as rambunctious, riding their quads at their dad’s property.

She attended Centralia High School, and after her daughter, Anayeli, was born, Khelsey put herself through Nursing School to build a strong foundation for herself and her baby girl. She continued her education, and was just shy of earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

Khelsey met the love of her life, Jose Reynaldo ‘Rey’ Alcaya, when he was working on apartment renovations two doors down from her mom and stepdad, Jorge’s. She and Rey dated for about a year and were married at the Newaukum Grange in Napavine on March 14, 2015.

In 2016, twins Jose Jr. and Maria Araceli were born, followed by Alessandro in 2017, completing their happy home.

Khelsey was absolutely selfless. She gave to others and was a true example of grace and love. She and Rey started their business, AMJA Fencing, in 2018, and became known as one of the biggest sponsors of youth sports in our area. Their family sponsored children at Christmas; gave to charities like the Salvation Army; and it wasn’t unusual to see Khelsey loading plates of food into her car to give to the homeless and hungry.

Khelsey loved to travel; she loved to shop; and she loved to drive fast. She loved her cat, Chuy; dog, Cacahuate, the littermate to Dakota’s dog, Odin; but above all, she loved her family.

Cooking was Khelsey’s love language. She loved to feed everyone and sent Anayeli cooking videos; substituting ingredients and adding her own personal touches until they were perfect. Cooking was a shared love between her and her sister, Kennah, but try as she may, Kennah never got Khelsey to spill the recipe to her awesome Quesa Birria recipe.

Though Khelsey was sick, she wanted to make as many memories with her loved ones as she could. She had a sisters trip with Kaylah planned for the Mall of America on July 23rd of this year and a trip to Mexico ready for August 5th. The kids got to go with her to Disneyland this past January 1st. She was able to go with the people she loved to Cle Elum; Oklahoma; Texas; Cabo San Lucas; Seal Rock Campground; crabbing; fishing; and celebrated what would have been Dakota’s 21st birthday in Las Vegas in 2023.

Of all the places Khelsey traveled, her favorite was their home on Rey’s family ranch in La Palma, Santa Rosa Jauregui in Querataro State, Mexico. It was where she felt her heart truly belonged.

Khelsey joins her brother, Dakota, and grandma, Sue, in Heaven.

She is missed and loved beyond words by her family; and too many friends to list.

Instead of flowers, please consider donating to the Seattle Children’s Foundation; St. Judes; The Cleft Foundation; or Lewis County Sports Programs. Khelsey would appreciate that.