Makenzie Rebecca Sykes, age 18, of Willard, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026. She was born on October 24, 2007, in Norwalk, Ohio, to Teresa (Lutz) Sykes and Bryan Sykes.
Makenzie was a proud 2026 graduate of Willard High School and had aspirations of becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician. During her time at WHS, she was actively involved in numerous organizations and activities, including Student Council, National Honor Society, Teen Leadership Corps, Orchestra, String Quartet, Symphonic Choir, Lady Flashes Tennis and Lady Flashes Softball.
Kenzie had a special love for animals, especially her beloved dogs, Lola and Mishka. She enjoyed singing, playing guitar, giving manicures, piercing ears, and making lasting memories with friends and family. Some of her favorite moments were shopping trips and Dunkin’ runs with her girl gang, as well as beach vacations spent with those she loved most.
Known for her kind heart, generous spirit, and infectious smile and laugh, Makenzie brought joy to everyone around her. Her compassion for others continued even after her passing through the gift of organ donation, a final act of selflessness that will positively impact many lives.
Makenzie is survived by her mother, Teresa Sykes, and her father and step-mom Bryan and Rachel Sykes; siblings, Brayden Sykes, Kaylor Sykes and Easton Toth; grandparents Mary Lutz, Claude and Sonja Gibson, Charles and JoAnne Kaylor, and Cheryl Sykes; aunts and uncles Charles and Rebecca Plotner, Christina Sykes, Laura Sykes and Seth Bennett, Lisa Gaines-Richman, Justin and Nicole Gibson, Chris and Jackie Gibson, Chris and Erin Bores and Nate Bores; special cousin, Cooper Plotner, along with numerous other cousins and several special friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandfathers Terry Lutz and Doug Sykes.
Friends and family are welcome on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio. A private burial will take place at a later date at Greenlawn Cemetery in Plymouth, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Huron County Humane Society or a Memorial Scholarship for Music being set up in Makenzie’s name at Willard High School. Online condolences can be made to Makenzie’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhome.com
Condolences
Johanna - Jun 22, 2026
So sorry to hear McKenzie passing. Beautiful lovely child. May she rest in peace. God’s comfort to all your family.
justin - Jun 17, 2026
I have struggled with self-worth and suicidal thoughts. It’s sad to see the such a young and bright soul leave this side of eternity so early. My condolences to the family and my prayers go out to y’all. Hoping the best.
Jim and Sandy Blum Family - Jun 15, 2026
Sorry for your loss. Prayers.
adalyn - Jun 15, 2026
everyone loved kenz im so sorry praying for everyone love you all
Mari - Jun 15, 2026
I’m Elisabeth’s grandmother, I’m so very sorry for your loss. My heart is broken for all who loved her🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Peggy M Opatken - Jun 14, 2026
Becky and family. My deepest sympathy and prayers for your loss. May Kenzie rest in absolute peace
George & Rhonda - Jun 13, 2026
We are so sorry to learn of your loss. Our prayers go out to all her friends and family.
Hally - Jun 13, 2026
You were always so talented and lit up the room with your smile and energy. Rest beautifully. You are so loved and missed 💜🪽
Bill & Sue Pfefferle - Jun 13, 2026
We are so sorry for your devastating loss of your precious Makenzie. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as you navigate this difficult journey.
Bob Jansic - Jun 13, 2026
So sorry for your loss. There are now words for this tragedy.
Sherry - Jun 13, 2026
Teresa, I am so so sorry. What a terrible loss for you, your family, and her many many friends. They are all in our prayers.
Melanie - Jun 13, 2026
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers for comfort during this sad time 🙏🙏🙏
Molly and Arthur - Jun 12, 2026
You about and your family are in our prayers. Our heart goes out to you💔
Sharon McGaff - Jun 12, 2026
Chuck and JoAnne and family, Mike and I are so very sorry for your incredible loss. What a beautiful, accomplished girl Makenzie was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Susie Adams Peck - Jun 12, 2026
With deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful daughter and granddaughter, Makenzie and my Great, Great niece. Our family love runs deep and the sadness and grief is felt no matter the distance. May our Lord, through His grace, give you peace, comfort and understanding. Much love, Aunt Susie🙏
Mike & Donna - Jun 12, 2026
There are absolutely no words to convey how sorry we are for your families loss. Mackenzie was a beautiful soul, and it's very evident the amount of people who's lives were touched by her. God has a beautiful angel! We pray for peace and comfort in the coming days for all of you! God Bless You all!💜
Linc and Michele Feltner - Jun 12, 2026
I'm so sorry for your loss. There are no words that can take away the pain your felling. Your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you always.
Elizabeth Maldonado - Jun 12, 2026
My deepest condolences to all your families and friends and loved ones. May God comfort you and keep you in his loving arms. No words can take away your pain but the community is Sending love and prayers. ❤️
Paula Reber - Jun 12, 2026
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family
Anonymous - Jun 12, 2026
I do not know your family but am a lifetime resident of Willard and a WHS Alumni. My heart breaks for you. She sounds like an amazing young lady. Know that the community stands behind you. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Donna Weaver and Joyce Freed - Jun 12, 2026
To the family we are so sorry for your loss she was a preety,ambitious, young girl who always had a smile. She will live on due to her organ donation which not many young people due. May God be with you all and one day you will be with her again Our hearts and prayers go out to you.
Roxanne Phillips - Jun 12, 2026
Teresa and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers as you go through this difficult time. 🩷
Debbie Shepherd Carpenter - Jun 12, 2026
My heart breaks for the family. Such a tragic lose for a shining star. Sending prayers for understanding and healing.
Kathy - Jun 12, 2026
So sorry for your loss. I’m a cousin of her Grandmother Mary. Kathy Walker Barman
Dutch & Laurie Fitzwater - Jun 12, 2026
Prayers to the entire family and to all her friends. Such a loss way too soon. Bless her for the selfless gift of organ donation.
Denise Henry - Jun 12, 2026
I am so sorry for the loss of McKenzie. No words can express just how incredibly sorry I am. My heart hurts for you and all of the family. Sending hugs, love and prayers. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Carol Adams Boring - Jun 12, 2026
Dear Family, I live many miles away from you and unable to comfort you as we grieve for my dear and beautiful Gr. Gr. Niece, Makenzie. Mary Lou and Teresa, please know my heart is heavy this day as I keep tract of our family members who have gone on to be with our Lord., I draw comfort to myself by remembering what King David said at the homegoing of his infant son 2 Samuel 12:23 "I shall go to him, but, he will not return to me. " indicating one day we shall again see those we love as we gather together in our forever home - Heaven. May our Lord bless and keep you as he gives you His peace that passes all of our understanding. Love to each of you. Your Great, Great Aunt Lainey (Carol Adams Boring),
Anonymous - Jun 12, 2026
oh makenzie you were so loved and I wish you were able to see that. You changed lives in ways you will never know. The sweetest person ever. May you rest peacefully beautiful sweet girl. 💜🕊️
Unknown - Jun 12, 2026
Our condolences to you All we got the message from the school and my heart breaks so very sorry not no parent should have to go through this especially at a young age what a sad tragedy may she rest in heaven but never forgotten she will be remembered and forever missed my kiddo is away for the week but I surely will tell her when she comes home again so sorry and for everyone please hold your love ones tighter ask them if they are okay you never know what they going through that day or night or second or minute remember dial 988 your never to busy for then be an ear to listen be a shoulder to cry on please I'm so sorry family this hurts so bad 😭😭😭💔💔💔
Sharon - Jun 12, 2026
I want to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I pray God will put His hand on you and ease your pain. I'm so sorry Teresa
- Jun 12, 2026
words can’t express the emotions I have for this entire situation I miss you so much you beautiful soul. Death took us apart but I can’t wait to see you again.
Dan Woodlock - Jun 12, 2026
I thank God for every day I was blessed to share with Kenz. She was a special young lady who had a tremendous heart for others. What a joy it was to see the impact she had on everyone in her life. She was such a gift from God. I love you all so much, Sykes family, and I'm lifting huge prayers for you.
Emersen Oney - Jun 12, 2026
Rest in paradise beautiful, I love you.
Emersen Oney - Jun 12, 2026
Rest in paradise beautiful, I love you.
Darrin and Julie - Jun 12, 2026
We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. There are no words for this tragedy. Our hearts break for you and your family. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Schuller-Daniel - Jun 12, 2026
There are no words that can truly capture the depth of sadness. My deepest condolences feel inadequate in the face of such a heartbreaking loss. I mourn the passing of a beautiful young life and extend my love, prayers, and support to all who are grieving.
Jeff & Linda Adams - Jun 12, 2026
You have are thoughts and prayers, we are so heart broken, no words can express how hurt me and Linda are, we are so glad we made it to her graduation party.. Thinking of you all.during. this devastating time.I love ya Maryloo. Cousin Jeff.🙏💔😓
Anonymous - Jun 12, 2026
What a very beautiful young lady, rest in heaven sweetie. Prayers to the family.
Gary and Rose Pittenger - Jun 12, 2026
Mac was a very beautiful sweet young lady. She would light up the room with her smile. She will be missed by so many. Mac, I enjoyed our dug out talks. And you have a special place in my heart. Love you fly high sing with the angels
Deb Barnett - Jun 12, 2026
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Makenzie is and always will be a precious soul. What a remarkable young lady you raised. You are all in my continuous prayers.
