Katelyn Mackenzie 'KK' Roker, 6

Katelyn Mackenzie “KK” Roker, 6, died Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, at home, in her mother's loving arms, surrounded by a devoted family.

Born on Sept. 7, 2005, Katelyn lived six wonderful years with her mom and dad, Jaime and Brian Roker and her two brothers, Zachary, 7, and Alex, 5.

For two years she battled high risk neuroblastoma, cancer of the central nervous system, traveling to Spokane, Seattle and New York City for treatment. During her short life, between hospital visits, she enjoyed attending preschool and kindergarten at St. Matthew’s Catholic School.

KK endured much the past few years with cancer treatment, but never dwelled on her sickness. She always bounced back with an exuberance and love of life. Her infectious smile and spunky personality caught the attention of many, many people whose lives she touched in a profound way, as witnessed by the thousands of prayers being offered for her during her illness. She loved riding her bike, swinging on monkey bars, and playing in her kitchen.

Katelyn leaves behind many loving family members, including her grandparents, Pat and Andy Murphy of Kalispell, and Jody and Tim Moors and their children, Jordan and Christian of Lolo; paternal grandfather, Kenn Forden; great-grandmothers, Sandra Aderholt of Kalispell, and Bernadette Seipel of Closter, N.J.; aunts, uncles and cousins, Sue and Dale Rodwick and their children, Christopher and Liz Rodwick of Kalispell, and Dorothy and Rich Bartkiewicz and their daughter, Amy, and granddaughter, Kayli Bartkiewicz of Milford, N.J.; and great-aunt and uncle, Nancy and Konstantin Parchevsky of California.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Katelyn at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Kalispell. Interment will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, 525 Main Street, Kalispell, followed at 7 p.m. by prayers of the rosary at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 602 Main Street; all are invited.

All donations made to the Katelyn Roker Fund will be directed toward neuroblastoma research and in helping other families affected by childhood cancer.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Katelyn’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Katelyn’s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.