Kayla Vanlandingham Obituary

In Loving Memory of

Kayla Regan Vanlandingham

November 3, 2005 - July 22, 2025

Kayla Regan Vanlandingham, age 19, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, following a tragic bicycle accident.

Kayla was a childhood tumor survivor who faced countless medical procedures and daily challenges throughout her life. Despite it all, she remained soft, kind, and full of compassion, never letting hardship take away her warmth or her joy.

She was an Art History major at the University of New Mexico, where she loved her classes, her professors, and the campus - especially afternoons at the Duck Pond with her service dog, Moki. Kayla also worked at Esperanza Bicycle Safety Center, where she shared her love of bikes and her belief that riding brought freedom, joy, and the ability to "do the hard things."

Kayla's passions were vast and wholehearted. She loved Doctor Who, Pokémon, and creating art in many forms - small metals, ceramics, and drawing. She had a sweet giggle, spoke to her dogs in a playful "baby voice," and gave deep, lingering hugs that made people feel safe. She found beauty in hiking, camping, rafting, hot air balloons, and exploring nature. She also carried a deep commitment to caring for every living being and volunteered with Black Hat Humane Society, Camp Enchantment, and the Children's Cancer Fund of New Mexico. Her love for the natural world was also evident as a site steward for the Bear Ears National Monument and her desire to protect our water with the NM Acequia Association.

Kayla's courage and tenderness touched everyone around her. On a cold winter rafting trip, when a friend was struggling, she reminded them, "we can do hard things." Her words and her spirit made the hard things lighter for those who loved her.

She is survived by her mother, Melinda Montoya; her stepfather, Alek Herrick; her half siblings, Kalena and Kason Vanlandingham; her grandparents, Beatrice Zamora, John Montoya, Diana Zamora, Christy and Tom Stromei, and Jim and Laura Herrick; her aunties, Laura Zamora, Eva Montoya and Gail Herrick; her uncles, Michael Montoya, Chad Herrick, Jeff Herrick, Gordon Clough and Luke Zamora; as well as extended family, countless friends, a large community and her beloved service dog, Moki.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the ABQ BioPark's Botanic Garden, on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring memories or simply their presence to honor Kayla's life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kayla's memory to Camp Enchantment, the Black Hat Humane Society, the Children's Cancer Fund of New Mexico or the New Mexico Acequia Foundation.

Kayla's light was gentle yet powerful, and though her time was far too short, she left the world more loving, more joyful, and more kind. Please visit directfuneralservicesabq.com to leave a condolence for the family. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th. NW. ABQ. 505-343-8008.