Mikyah Malu Middleton

In Loving Memory of Mikyah Malu Middleton

March 18, 2003 – October 17, 2026

Forever Loved, Forever Remembered

Mikyah Malu Middleton, affectionately known to her parents as “Mecox,” a special nickname from their Native language, believed to be Ichishkíin Sínwit (Sahaptin), the traditional language of the Umatilla people. Mikyah was born on March 18, 2003, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to Kris and Leilani (Rushing) Middleton. On October 17, 2026, Mikyah passed away far too soon in Salem, Oregon, at the young age of 23. Though her time here was much too short, the love, laughter, and memories she leaves behind will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

The baby of her family, Mikyah held a special place in the hearts of her parents and siblings. At the age of four, she moved with her family to Turner, Oregon, where she grew up and made countless memories. She attended Turner Elementary School, Turner Middle School, and Cascade High School, forming friendships along the way that would become an important part of her life.

From a young age, Mikyah attended Turning Point Church, where she participated in Wednesday night youth group, enjoyed church camps, and became a baptized member. The church community was part of her childhood and the many experiences that helped shape her life.

Mikyah was a free spirit with a beautiful soul, a playful sense of humor, and a heart full of love. She had a way of making people laugh, whether through her silliness, her jokes, or simply being herself. She was funny, caring, full of personality, and surrounded by countless friends who loved her dearly.

She found joy in the simple things that made life fun. Mikyah loved skateboarding and wasn't afraid to hop on her board and ride all the way into Salem. She could do tricks and had recently taken up longboarding. There was something about the freedom of being on her board that perfectly matched her adventurous spirit.

Mikyah was incredibly proud of her Native American heritage and her membership in the Umatilla Tribe. She loved tribal dancing, and it wasn't unusual to hear her tribal music turned up loud as she danced freely in the yard. Those moments reflected her pride in her culture, her connection to her roots, and the joy she found in simply being herself.

Mikyah also loved to go shopping, especially during the Christmas season. For her, much of the excitement came from finding just the right gifts for the people she loved. She had a generous heart and found happiness in giving to others. Christmas shopping was something she truly enjoyed, and the thought of bringing a smile to someone's face made it even more special. It was one of the many ways she showed her love for family and friends.

She loved Disney movies and especially enjoyed comedies like White Chicks, Uncle Buck, and The Sandlot. She appreciated a good laugh and brought plenty of laughter into the lives of others. Mikyah also adored her shepherd/Lab mix, Ryder, who held a special place in her heart.

Mikyah was a hardworking young woman who took pride in learning new skills and accomplishing her goals. She worked at Freres Lumber, where she started on the production line and worked her way into becoming a grader. She also worked at JELD-WEN as a window welder. Most recently, Mikyah was employed at Bonaventure, where she continued to grow and challenge herself. One of her recent accomplishments was successfully passing her testing to become a medication aide, something she was especially proud of. It was an achievement that reflected her determination, abilities, and desire to better herself. She was also working toward earning her GED and attending night classes, continuing to take steps toward a brighter future.

Above all, one of the greatest loves of Mikyah's life was her precious daughter, Dezzi. Becoming a mother gave Mikyah someone to love with her whole heart. She loved Dezzi deeply, worked hard for her, and did her very best as she navigated the challenges and joys of motherhood. So much of what Mikyah was working toward was rooted in her desire to build a good life for herself and her daughter. She had been especially looking forward to celebrating Halloween with Dezzi, sharing in the excitement and making special memories together. Though they were not given nearly enough time, the love Mikyah had for her little girl was immeasurable. Dezzi will forever carry a part of her mother with her.

Mikyah's life was not measured by the number of years she lived, but by the love she gave, the laughter she shared, and the memories she created. She was a daughter, a mother, a sister, an aunt, and a friend. She was silly and spirited, adventurous and caring, generous and hardworking, and always uniquely herself. She had dreams still unfolding, places yet to go, and so many moments still waiting to be lived.

Mikyah leaves behind her loving parents, Kris and Leilani Middleton; her beloved daughter, Dezzi; and her siblings, Heather, Harmony, Nicole, Ashley, Trevelynn, DJ, Ariel, Esther May, Jezica, Alvin, and David, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Wilbur; a beloved niece; and both sets of grandparents, who are remembered with love.

While the pain of losing Mikyah so young is beyond words, her family will hold tightly to the memories of her laughter, her beautiful smile, her dancing in the yard, her adventurous rides on her skateboard, her excitement over Christmas shopping, her pride in her accomplishments, and the endless love she had for her daughter. They will remember the little girl who grew up before their eyes, the baby of the family who became a mother herself, and the beautiful spirit who touched so many lives.

May you dance freely, ride endlessly, and find peace in the arms of those who went before you. Until we meet again, sweet Mikyah, you will forever be our beautiful girl.

A celebration of Mikyah's life will be held at a later date, when family and friends will gather to honor her memory and the love she brought into this world.