Kay-Leigh Botha

In Loving Memory of Kay-Leigh Botha

September 9, 2022 – October 8, 2026

Kay-Leigh Botha, age 4, of Fredericksburg, Ohio, went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, October 8, 2026, peacefully in the loving arms of her parents, Kevin and Danél, surrounded by an abundance of love at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Born on September 9, 2022, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Kay-Leigh was a beautiful little girl who filled the lives of everyone around her with love, laughter, and joy.

From the very beginning, Kay-Leigh showed extraordinary strength and courage. Born with a complex congenital heart condition, she faced countless challenges, surgeries, and hospital stays. Through it all, she remained a true fighter with the bravest little heart.  But Kay-Leigh was so much more than her medical journey.

She was a sassy, spirited little girl with a big personality and an even bigger heart. She adored the color pink, loved playing outside, cuddles, and never wanted to miss a party. To Kay-Leigh, everyone was her “best friend,” and she had a special way of making everyone feel loved.

One of her greatest joys was being a big sister to Lu-May. The two shared a beautiful bond filled with love, laughter, mischief, and the occasional sisterly fight. Their precious memories together will forever be treasured.

Although her time on earth was far too short, Kay-Leigh touched countless hearts, brought people together in prayer, and showed the world what true strength and courage look like.

Kay-Leigh will forever be loved and cherished by her parents, Kevin and Danél Botha; her little sister, Lu-May; her maternal grandparents, Freddie and Marisa Anderson of South Africa; her paternal grandmother, Umelda Botha of Fredericksburg; and her uncle and aunt, Phillip and Josie Botha, and their sons.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Philip Botha, and her beloved aunt, Amór van der Schyff, who we find comfort in knowing welcomed her into Heaven.

A celebration of Kay-Leigh’s beautiful life will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Jocelyn Smolik officiating. Friends and loved ones will be received beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

In honor of Kay-Leigh’s joyful spirit, family and friends are encouraged to wear bright, cheerful colors, especially pink, her favorite. Kay-Leigh loved a celebration, and we wish to celebrate her life with the same joy and love she brought into this world.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kay-Leigh’s GoFundMe.

While our hearts are shattered, we find comfort knowing our precious girl is now safe in the arms of Jesus, free from pain and suffering.

Four years was never enough, but the love she brought into this world will live on forever.

Our precious Kay-Leigh, you fought so hard, sweet girl. Now you can finally rest. 🩷