Makaia Nicole Gilkey

Makaia Nicole Gilkey was born January 14, 2006 in Coos Bay, Oregon. Makaia lost her life December 22, 2021 at the age of 15 years old.

Makaia was a sophomore at Myrtle Point High School and loved playing Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball; she was on track to be one of the few female athletes to be a four-year varsity award winner in all three sports. She was also an active 4H member for the last 6 years with Gaylord Livestock; raising pigs with her best friend and sister, Riley Rae; achieving Grand Champion-Showmanship (2020) and Grand Champion Female Swine (2018). She was a determined athlete always ready for the competition no matter what; with her basketball coach sharing that what they will miss the most is Makaia’s smile, laugh, competitiveness and brutal honesty each and every day. She had great sportsmanship and was often the first one to cheer on her teammates. She could be found helping out at the LSB Ranch and Show pig barns; haying, processing liters of piglets, giving shots, and sharing that infectious smile.

It was easy to be happy, laugh, and have a blast with Makaia. She had a smile that could light up any room, especially with those dimples. Her nurturing patient spirit could be felt by all, especially her little sisters and those younger than her. She was always a big help at home. She was a great friend to many and always lifted up those that were around her. Makaia was a member of the Coquille Tribe, attending family camp, Camp Ta Nae, Headstart, and numerous other tribal events. She loved the outdoors; hunting, crabbing, and fishing with her step dad even the time she fell in. Makaia loved spending time with her dad; watching movies, hanging out, and learning to drive his truck.

Makaia is survived by her mother and stepfather, Crystal and JB Orr and sisters Riley Rae (14), Brooke Elizabeth (9), and Vivian Claire (5). Her father, Jerad Gilkey and sister Audrey Grace (4). She will also be missed dearly by her grandparents; Ross and Nancy Orr, Cindy Hammer, Patty Gilkey; Aunts and Uncles Rachele and Jeff Lyon, Justin Hammer, Yolanda Langley, Amber Hammer, Amanda Orr, Brein Anglin, Rachelle Gilkey, Dustin Gilkey, and too many cousins to count.

Please join her family and friends in honoring her life on January 8, 2022 at Myrtle Point High School Gym at 1 pm with a remembrance celebration to follow at Oaks Pavilion in Myrtle Point.

A scholarship in Makaia’s name at Myrtle Point High School has been established for a graduating female athlete to honor her athletic spirit. The Orr Family is also setting up a fund in memory of Makaia to provide one female high school athlete in each of the sports she played with their athletic gear needs each year. Donations to these funds are greatly appreciated by Makaia’s family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Makaia Nicole Gilkey, please visit our floral store.