Obituary for Kailey Marie Lightner

On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, the world lost a beautiful ray of sunshine when Kailey Marie Lightner went to be with God at the age of 15. Born on May 12, 2009 to loving parents Paul and Victoria (Cook) Lightner, Kailey brought joy and light to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Kailey was a sophomore at Portland High School, where she was known for her kindness, beautiful smile, and the friendships she cultivated with everyone she met. She had a delightful sense of humor and was always ready with a pun. You’ve likely experienced her quick wit or heard her favorite catch phrase, “risk it for the biscuit.”

Kailey truly was a child of nature; she loved tearing through the trails on her Honda 230, hunting her next trophy buck, and slowing it all down to pick wildflowers and watch sunsets. Hunting was her favorite hobby. All year long, she scoped out the local deer herd with her binoculars, even giving them names. She didn’t hesitate to tease her hunting buddies for not being in the 10-point club with her. But above all else, Kailey cherished her time with her family, siblings, and friends. She shared a deep and special bond with her Grandma, and she would often pop up to her house with random visits just to hang out and bake special treats. She created so many lasting memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Preceding Kailey in death are her grandfather, Bruce Cook and great-grandparents, Stan and Jane Gross “GiGi.” Left on Earth to cherish her memory are her parents, Paul and Victoria Lightner; siblings, Lane, Myla, and Veda Lightner; grandmother, Sheila Cook “MiMi”; grandmother, Carol Lightner (Rodney Harris); grandfather, Daniel Lightner (Georgia Noles); her hunting good luck charm, Uncle Matt; special friend, Blake, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Please join us on Sunday, September 22, 2024 for a Celebration of Life from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the Eagle Park Fairgrounds Exhibition Building. At 5:00 p.m., we will gather at the dirt track at Eagle Park Fairgrounds to honor Kailey in a memorial ride. If you would like, bring your off-road vehicle to ride to celebrate Kailey’s adventurous spirit and love of the sport. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending contributions to In Loving Memory of Kailey Lightner