Kayla Ann Deroche

Kayla Ann Deroche, 21, of Lake Charles, LA, died on Friday, August 17, 2018 at UTMB Galveston, TX.

Kayla was born February 19, 1997 in Magnolia, AR and has lived in Lake Charles since the age of 2.  She was a 2015 graduate of Barbe High School.  She then pursued her love for make-up by attending the Aveda Institute in Lafayette where she graduated as an esthetician. For the past five years, Kayla has worked for Dermalogix Salon and Day Spa.  Kayla enjoyed many activities throughout her life, including gymnastics and cheerleading, although her real passion was for swimming. She joined the CCA Stingrays Swim Team at the age of 4 and continued swimming with them for fourteen years. She then swam for the Barbe High School Swim Team for four years where she was coached by her dad and biggest fan.  She was a captain for the Barbe Swim Team her senior year and even swam at the State swim meet while fighting the effects from chemotherapy. Kayla continued her swimming career by coaching for the CCA Stingrays for the past three years, where she loved teaching both children and young adults.  Kayla also enjoyed modeling and was an ambassador for the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and Kendra Scott.  She fought a courageous battle and will be missed dearly. Her motto was “Never a victim; always a fighter”, and that is certainly how she lived her life. 

Kayla is survived by her parents, Chris and Therese Deroche; brother, Mark Antoine Deroche and wife Samantha; sister, Brooke Ann Deroche; fiancé, Ryan Sonnier; nephew, Jude Joseph Deroche; grandmothers, Mary Deroche and Alois Pfefferle; God-parents, Kimmy and Michael Paul Stephens and Ryan Griep; God-child, Neely Kate Stephens; her beloved pet, Willow; her giraffe, Gigi, who was always by her side; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends including special cancer friends that she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Luther Pierre Deroche and William Charles Pfefferle, and many special cancer friends that greeted her in heaven; including her favorite therapy dog, Deni. 

Kayla had a love for animals, especially dogs.  All are welcome (especially dogs) to attend the celebration of her life on Friday, August 24 at 7:00 PM at St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church Gymnasium, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  Rev. John Robert Black will officiate.  A gathering of family members, friends, and furry canines will be at the church gymnasium from 6:00 PM until the start of the service.

Please consider Seasons Flowers and Gifts as we have made special requests for her flower arrangements, 337-477-5221.