Mikaela Riann Naylon

Mikaela Riann Naylon, 16, passed away on October 29, 2025. Born on August 24, 2009, in Pueblo, Colorado, Mikaela was the cherished daughter of Douglas and Kassandra Naylon and a bright light to everyone who knew her.

Mikaela is preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Elton and Merle Naylon; Thayne and Evelyn Mitchell; Manuel and Guadalupe Martinez; and Arturo and Eva Vigil; great-aunts and great-uncles, Gail (Robert) Ebinger, Dean (Sandy) Naylon, Timothy Naylon, Neal Naylon, Mark Naylon, Brian Mitchell, Gregory Mitchell, Ofelia (Benie) Barela, Marti Martinez, Fred Martinez, Eugene (Viola) Martinez, MaryAnn Tafoya, Larry Vigil, Bob Lujan; cousin, Rebecca Vigil and many cousins who welcomed her with love.

Mikaela lived her life with courage, humor, and heart. A junior at Central High School, she genuinely loved going to school. She was excited to be in her junior year and had already begun thinking about college. Mikaela found great joy competing on the Central High School girls tennis team and treasured every moment spent laughing and making memories with her friends.

A passionate advocate for childhood cancer, Mikaela served on the Junior Advisory Board with MiB Agents, using her voice to support others and make a difference. She enjoyed horror movies, scrolling TikTok and Instagram, and spending quality time with her parents. She loved to travel, whether exploring other countries or visiting friends in different states. Some of her favorite experiences were at Sky High Hope Camp, participating in winter and summer games with the Shining Stars Foundation in Aspen, and snowboarding.

Mikaela had an incredible sense of humor and a spirit that drew people in. She was kind, generous, and resilient. She did her best not to let cancer overtake her spirit; she wanted to be known simply as a normal kid, not “the cancer kid.” She was tough when she needed to be and possessed a strong will. She faced challenges with bravery and grace. She was a thoughtful listener, wise beyond her years, and deeply selfless, always willing to help anyone in need.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving parents, Douglas and Kassandra Naylon; her brother, Ayden Naylon; paternal grandparents Dennis and Denise Naylon; maternal grandparents Rudy and Nancy Martinez; her aunts Wendi (David) Dammann, Leneise Martinez (Steven Casares), and Sheena Martinez (Fermin Chavira); her cousins Alberto Zamarripa, William Dammann, Amaris Zamarripa, Adrain Zamarripa, Arturo Zamarripa, and Alaena Casares; great-uncle, Wilfred Martinez; her beloved cat, Mango; and countless friends and family members whose lives were forever touched by her light.

Mikaela’s legacy is one of strength, kindness, laughter, and love. Though her time was far too short, the impact she made will be felt forever.

In lieu of flowers we would like donations made to her MIB Family Fund, Mikaela Family Fund | MIB Programs, Osteosarcoma Research

Family also request that pink or wildcat attire is worn, two of Mikaela’s favorites, and your favorite jeans. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mikaela Riann Naylon, please visit our floral store.