Kaytlynn Natasha-Irene Kleber

Kaytlynn Natasha-Irene Kleber passed away October 13, 2018 in the loving arms of her parents Penni and Forest Kleber. Born on January 3, 2002, Kayti was a vibrant infant who delighted us all with her infectious smile. Kayti suffered a life changing event on March 13, 2002 leaving her medically fragile. Her parents devoted their lives to Kayti’s care and with Kayti’s nurse Carol Jarett at her side,she became Kayti’s voice and stayed at her side for her entire education as Kayti attended Portland Public Schools.

Kayti’s presence in all the classrooms, throughout her education, impacted student awareness about children with disabilities, especially medically fragile children. Kayti was greeted by her school staff and peers daily. In kindergarten, her friend Tony pushed her on her scooter on the playground. An amazing moment happened when she blinked "yes" in the Lewis Elementary hallway at a sweet random adult female and then, on her scooter with support, propelled herself down the hallway getting acknowledgement from Principal Tim Lauer; a beautiful moment where Kayti was in thriving mode (not just survival) with people enthused and respectful toward her.

Kayti respected her para-educators by giving them her big beautiful blue eyed focused attention. Kayti loved her friend Angela in second grade and especially her friend Joel. They used the iPad together. He would touch it and she would attend to lightning bolt flashes on screen and crackly noise. They loved to listen to birds together. She loved her friends Nicholas and Abby in middle school and she especially loved being included with her exceptional friends in music classes. Kayti’s fondest moments were attending guitar class, choir, and the orchestra class where the music could be seen lighting up in her eyes.

Throughout Kayti’s life, her younger brother Nathan became her protector and always put his sister first. Kayti’s parents always made sure she was accepted, loved, and able to participate in all-inclusive activities at school and their community.

As we celebrate this month by recognizing disability awareness, the family would like us all to gather and support other parents with medically fragile children. Every day they persevere knowing that each moment could be the last yet they don't relish in that thought and love their child wholeheartedly, grateful to hold and hear each breath, grateful that their presence impacts everyone. Her nurse, Carol, was Kayti's voice and stayed at her side for her entire education.

Kayti is survived by her parents Forest and Penni Kleber, her younger brother Nathan, Grandparents Cheryl Cochran, Steve Aiken, Joan and Charlie Duncan, and Orchid and Randy Dunn, her Great grandmother Ruth Shaner, Great grandfather Dale Aiken, Great Aunts Carla Perry, Gina Ross, and Suzanne Getty, and Great Uncles Scott Thomas, David Thomas, and Brian Yancey. Aunties Tarin Cochran, Stacy Yancey, Kim Wright, Sky Villiard, Lynsey McFadden, Sheleni Quashinck, and Sharian Gauthier, and Uncle Stephen Aiken loved her with all their hearts. She was surrounded by the adoration of her cousins Melissa Perry, Isaac Betts, Elijah Betts, Weston Canessa, Chloe Canessa, Kaison Moelnhour, Joey Graves, Kyrah Graves, Kaylen Wright and many more! Kayti’s great grandparents who have since passed, Wes Shaner, Jean Cranor, Marjorie and Wilber Scheibner, adored Kayti too.

Kaytlynn brought to this world, the simple joys of love and compassion; the awareness that any medically fragile child can make a difference by igniting a spirit of living, no matter what hardships are faced. That love and commitment make the world a better place and now, that she is in peace, free from her shell, she dances and sings over us, making us hold her memory to be embraced and respected by all, every minute of our lives.

Please join us in celebrating Kayti’s inspiring life on Saturday, November 10th, at St. Augustana Church, 2710 NE 14th Ave, Portland, Oregon, officiated by Mark Knutson, at 1 PM followed by a reception in Kayti’s honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to United Cerebral Palsy Foundation who sponsored Kayti and her family multiple times over the last 16 years.