McKel Gayle Yarger

At five years old, McKel watched a public safety announcement which said, “If you love someone, tell them to buckle up.” McKel laughed and retorted, “Why wouldn’t you just tell them you love them?” 

This comical assertion from the mind of a five-year-old was emblematic of McKel’s innermost value: People deserve to be loved. Ironically, McKel rarely said the phrase, “I love you.” She didn’t need to. McKel found ways to make each person know they were loved individually and unconditionally. She often reflected on the love languages of her friends, analyzing the ways in which she could demonstrate her love. 

McKel showered her older sister with affection, constantly cuddling with her and playing with her hair. Her younger brother was loved through time spent jumping on the trampoline and chess lessons. McKel actively loved her mother by leaving notes around the house and by joining her in spontaneous dance. McKel was lovingly sarcastic with her father, once suggesting in a birthday letter he “should improve on dad jokes.” 

McKel did not reserve love for those who were fortunate enough to know her. It extended to people she hadn’t met, including those who weren’t even born. Though she was only in eighth grade, she left countless notes and sketches about ways in which bioengineering could be used to improve the prognosis of high-risk pregnancies. She often brainstormed about ways in which she could offer her technology freely to the public. 

Of all the superlatives used to describe McKel, authenticity has been used most often. She showed no hesitation advocating for those who couldn’t advocate for themselves and no reluctance informing people when they were making bad decisions. Her authenticity, even when holding someone accountable, accomplished her ambitious, philanthropic mission to improve the world.

Maya Angelou wrote, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget the way you made them feel.” While McKel’s expressions of love were varied in appearance, she left each of us with the same immortal gifts, assurance of her love and the way her love made each of us feel. 

A Celebration of Life open house will be held from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 2255 South Wasatch Drive in Salt Lake City.

The first step to Live Like McKel is to dress like McKel. Please wear your favorite hoodie to McKel’s celebration of life. Ongoing activities will include a rock-painting table, balloon art, promise cards, contributing to McKel’s memory poster, delicious food, and connecting with others who love and appreciate McKel. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to support the education of future scientists here: https://gofund.me/f8ad0e6d. 

In the iconic words of McKel’s 6th grade persuasive essay after she met the minimum word requirement, “in conclusion, the end.”

Click this link to view a remembrance page for McKel where you can share pictures and memories: https://my.gather.app/remember/mckel-yarger