Kaley Jean Getchis

In Loving Memory of Kaley Jean Getchis, MD
August 10, 1988 – September 25, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Kaley Jean Getchis, age 37, who left this world on September 25, 2025, after a courageous battle with melanoma. Though her time with us was far too short, she filled every moment with love, laughter, and unwavering kindness.
Born on August 10, 1988, in Phoenix, Arizona, Kaley attended Richard E. Miller Grade School, Royal Palm Middle School, and Sunnyslope High School. A proud member of both the volleyball and softball teams, she was known for her bright mind, athletic spirit, kindness toward others, and relentless curiosity-traits that guided her throughout her life.
After high school, Kaley attended Northern Arizona University, where she continued to pursue her passions and lay the foundation for her future in medicine. Determined to follow her dream of helping others, she went on to earn her Doctor of Medicine degree from St. George's University School of Medicine. As a devoted family physician, she cared deeply for her patients, offering not only clinical expertise but also warmth, comfort, and genuine understanding. She believed in treating every person with dignity, and her compassionate impact on countless lives will never be forgotten.
Kaley lived with curiosity at her core. A lifelong reader, she was rarely without a book in hand-devouring novels, memoirs, and medical journals alike. Libraries and bookstores were her sanctuaries, and she had a gift for sharing her favorite reads with heartfelt enthusiasm.
She also found joy and peace in the outdoors. Hiking, camping, running, and skiing were among her greatest passions, and she felt most at home in the mountains and fresh air. At her side through many of these adventures was her beloved dog, Ruby, her loyal companion.
Kaley is survived by her loving husband, Michael Getchis of Reno, Nevada, whom she married on June 28, 2013; her parents, Mike and Janie Willcoxson of Phoenix, Arizona; her sister, Alex Ihfeldt of Dallas, Texas; her grandmothers; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who adored her. Each of them will forever cherish the beautiful memories they shared with her.
Whether through her healing hands, her thoughtful words, or her gentle spirit, Kaley lived a life defined by compassion, curiosity, and grace. Her legacy will continue in the lives she touched and in every story she inspired others to read.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor her extraordinary spirit and the joy she brought to the world. Though she is gone, her light remains-she will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.