In Loving Memory

Kaylea J. Johnson

Kaylea, 60 years young, passed away on September 23, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and love that will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Kaylea was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt and niece.

Kaylea was born in Portland, OR on June 22, 1966, to Dallas and Betty Jo. Kaylea spent her childhood in Billings, MT, where she began school and enjoyed every moment. She was most excited to learn how to read, which developed into a lifelong passion of hers. As a young girl, Kaylea loved spending time with her parents and two sisters, Lana and Julie. To Kaylea, her siblings were her built-in best friends, her support system, and a source of love and laughter in every chapter of life. The family spent their time fishing, hiking and camping in Montana’s Big Sky Country.

Kaylea and her family relocated to Benton City, WA where she attended Kiona-Benton school with many classmates that would become lifelong friends. She found a passion for volleyball throughout high school. She traveled with the team her senior year to the State Championship. Kaylea lived life with a fiery spirit, a sassy sense of humor, and a personality that was impossible to forget. Upon graduating in 1984, Kaylea went to Eastern Washington University, graduating with a BA in Communications.

Her connection with Hanford began during her junior year of high school where she worked as a summer intern at Rockwell. This early opportunity led to a successful lifelong career with various Hanford contractors. Kaylea was working as a Senior Procurement Specialist for Hanford at the time of her passing.

Kaylea and Al Johnson’s marriage blessed them with the birth of their two children, Kahiesha and Xavier. Kaylea’s children were her universe, from soccer tournaments and football games, she supported them any way she could into adulthood. Being a mother was the most important part of her life, her devotion to her children was unwavering.

Kaylea was a gardening enthusiast; her house and yard were always abundant with plants and flowers. Her beautiful garden bloomed, offering the peaceful surroundings she deeply loved. Kaylea had a special place in her heart for animals and was a master thrifter with a true fashionista’s spirit. Kaylea also had a genuine love for her friends. Her life reflected the love, care and devotion she poured into everything dear to her heart. Whether enjoying a glass of wine at a local winery, lounging poolside in Cabo or catching a flight to Las Vegas to dance the night away to Kenny Chesney, Kaylea knew how to have fun!  She had a way of making people laugh, always spoke her mind, and brought her own unique flair for everything she did.

Kaylea had a gift for making holidays and family dinners memorable, they were never just another day on the calendar. She loved putting her own creative twist on food, drinks, and activities, making every gathering a little more exciting and special. Whether it was a thoughtfully planned chili and cornbread evening or a spontaneous midday DQ Blizzard date with her daughter, Kaylea had a way of creating the kind of memories that will be cherished for years to come. She knew how to find joy in all of life’s events!

To those closest to her, Kaylea was so much more than an adored presence. She was the person to call during a hard day, the first one you’d share exciting news with, the honest voice of encouragement when life got complicated. No matter what was happening, she could be counted on to offer heartfelt advice, a listening ear, and a helping hand. That kind of love is irreplaceable. The loss of a mother, daughter, sister and friend leaves an emptiness that words cannot fully express.

Her absence will be felt in the quiet moments, the family holidays, the spontaneous adventures, and the times her loved ones instinctively reach for the phone to call her. But her bold personality will live on in every tradition she made her own, every laugh she inspired, and every memory that brings a smile through the tears.

She was one of a kind and will be loved and missed always.

Kaylea is survived by her parents, Dallas Richterich and Betty Jo Rose, children, Kahiesha and Xavier Johnson, sisters, Lana and Julie Richterich, her favorite Aunt, Sandra Coe, step siblings Paula Pilon and Steve Klotz and her nieces and nephew.

A celebration of Kaylea’s life will be held on November 13th, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at C3 Tri-Cities, 150 Gage Boulevard, Richland, WA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Benton Franklin Humane Society or Friends of the Richland Public Library.