Shayla Marie Dunlap

Shayla Marie Dunlap, 22, passed away Sunday morning, July 25, 2010 near Kalispell, as the result of a vehicle accident. She was born on July 16, 1988 in Kalispell to John Jay and Vicki Lynn (Leivo) Dunlap.

Shayla began her early education in Columbia Falls and continued on to Columbia Falls High School. It was early in her sophomore year that Shayla was diagnosed with leukemia and spent the next six months in Seattle receiving treatment. Returning to school, she enjoyed playing basketball, volleyball and became a cheerleader. Her favorite sport to cheer was wrestling where her boyfriend David Ampudia was.

Shayla had very diverse interests and tastes. She loved interesting foods like parmesan noodles with corn and oatmeal. She was very much a young lady and loved getting her hair and nails done. She was very athletic, enjoying her work-outs and enjoyed the outdoors.

In September of 2008, Shayla relapsed with leukemia and her sister, Shelby, once again came to her rescue. In 2003, it was with a bone marrow transplant and in 2008, a blood transfusion.

Shayla and David spent a very full day on Saturday the July 24 enjoying a baseball game, then rafting and spending time at Heritage Days in Columbia Falls.

Shayla had been introduced to Amway Global, which had changed her life. Her outlook and goals for her future had more direction. Her spirituality and sense of well being were strengthened through her associations. She also very much enjoyed supporting Relay for Life this year and even won the cupcake decorating contest.

Shayla was preceded in death by her father in 1996, and her grandfather, Jack Dunlap. She is survived by her mother, Vicki Dunlap; a sister, Shelby Dunlap and a brother, Hunter Koleszar; maternal grandparents, Leland and Jane Leivo and paternal grandmother, Karen Ricks Dunlap; aunts Lisa, Christy, Kim and Kathy, an uncle Mike, as well as many cousins and a special second cousin.

A joint celebration of life will be held for David and Shayla on Friday, July 30, 2010 at 11 a.m. at New Covenant Church on Birch Grove Road. Burial will follow at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls. A potluck reception will be held immediately following at the Babe Ruth Baseball fields on Talbot Rd.

Johnson – Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Shayla's family. You are invited to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Shayla's tribute wall and offer condolences.