With extreme sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of McKenzie Ulrich on July 1, 2023. She was 20 years old.
“Kenzie” was born on January 31, 2003 in Centralia, Washington. She grew up in Chehalis, Washington, and went on to graduate from Capitol High School in Olympia, Washington in 2021.
Growing up, Kenzie often went hunting with her father. She also played fastpitch for many years, starting at age 7, and went on to play for a local select elite team. She was a pitcher and an outfielder.
Kenzie was very artistic, she liked to draw and use her pottery wheel. She enjoyed gardening and was always planting something new. She had a fluffy Siamese cat named Yase, and a scruffy little dog named Chip. She loved hiking, visiting her friends, going on family vacations, and having adventures with her boyfriend, best friend and love of her life, Joey.
Kenzie was strong-willed, driven, thoughtful and caring. She was hilarious and goofy, and made her friends and family laugh so much. She wasn’t scared of speaking up and protecting those she loved. And if she loved you, she would always have your back, and come out swinging. She was a protector.
We loved her, especially with her little quirks that made us all laugh and appreciate who she was. Kenzie was surrounded by love, and she will be in our hearts forever. She was one of a kind, and we will miss her everyday. We have lost our beautiful little warrior.
Kenzie is survived by her mother Melissa Marquez; father Alan Ulrich; sister Hope; grandparents Jerry and Jeanie Marquez, Albert and Cynde Ulrich, Kathy and Arlie Champ; boyfriend Joseph Unger, his parents Pier Hansen and DeWayne Unger; as well as countless aunts, uncles and cousins on both sides.
She is preceded in death by her great-grandparents Marty and Fran Neville, Ernest Holloway, Evelyn Werner, Dave Crockett, Carl Ulrich, Julian Marquez Sr., and Ruth Sauer.
A celebration of life will occur, with details to be determined.
